CAMPAIGNERS for Swindon's canal network to be restored claim they have been snubbed by the town centre developers.

The canal was officially abandoned 90 years ago, made obsolete by Brunel and the growth of the Great Western Railway.

Since then Brunel's railway works have gone from boom to bust and the canal buffs are now hoping to complete the circle with the return of a town centre waterway attraction.

Lobbying by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust has won the support of Swindon Council and North Swindon MP Michael Wills.

But Westfield, the Australian company that will be regenerating Swindon's shopping centre, has rubbished the idea.

In a letter to Mr Wills, Westfield senior executive Peter Allen wrote that the Trust's plans would "further divide the Brunel Centre", a trend that the company was keen to "reverse".

Mr Allen also doubted the feasibility of a joined-up waterway network in "such a confined space" and was worried about "adverse impact on trade".

Ken Oliver, Swindon branch chairman of the Wilts and Berks Canal trust, said: "Westfield are only interested in people spending money in shops, but there's more to re-booting the heart of a town than retailing.

"For many years we have worked hard to secure a route that would allow re-connection with the main canal system.

"Local opinion is strong that restoring the canal would go a long way to create the missing heart and soul of Swindon town centre.

"With major development about to take place, this is an opportunity that will not be repeated for many years.

"We are disappointed by West-field, which has written to me indicating its view of a canal would be an obstacle for shoppers going from one shop to another and would add no value to the Brunel Centre.

"I question whether the people of Swindon want their town to be shaped by the commercial perceptions of a retail developer.

"Water is a major central feature of every town that is deemed attractive. Swindon deserves a town centre to be proud of, not just while shops are open, but as a pleasant place for everyone, night and day."

Mr Wills said: "I have a sentimental attachment to the Trust's vision and would very much like their vision to be incorporated in the town's regeneration blueprint.

"However, I have been told categorically by Westfield that it would be too expensive. However, if the trust can come up with some figures, I'd happily ask Westfield to have another look at the possibilities."

l The Trust's proposed route for the canal would take it from Kingshill to Milton Road, under Milton Road Bridge, along Canal Walk to the station, alongside the Railway Village and out to Cricklade to join the Thames. The whole length would come to about eight or nine miles and the trust believes it could be completed in 10 years.

Michael Litchfield