Ref. 24647-31PLANS for a new route for the North Wilts Canal east of Cricklade will be unveiled at an exhibition in May.

Because the former route through the town has been built over, British Waterways which manages more than 2,000 miles of canals, rivers and docks across the UK has been commissioned to investigate the best new canal route around the town.

The details of the preferred route will be the subject of the exhibition in Cricklade Town Hall and library from May 8 to 15.

There will also be a public meeting in the town hall to discuss the scheme on May 13 at 7pm.

Full details have not yet been released but the route would see the canal running east of Cricklade, passing under Swindon Road, and linking to the Thames west of the A419 culvert.

It would leave the Thames again after passing through the culvert before running north to join the Thames and the Severn Canal east of Latton.

Chaloner Chute, the canal project officer said: "Canals are finding a fresh purpose at the heart of both urban and rural communities.

"We are keen to hear people's views on this new route. It will cost between £4 million and £5 million, and we are talking about 10 years' time."

It is hoped that the route will provide new opportunities for walkers, anglers, boaters.

Anthony Osborne