CANAL volunteers fighting to stay at Bradford on Avon wharf have sent off a 500-name petition to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

Volunteers believe the fight to stay at their historic home is just beginning despite a proposal by owner British Waterways to lease the facility to a commercial enterprise.

West Wiltshire Kennet and Avon Trust has leased the building off British Waterways for 21 years at a token rent, but were told last year that a commercial rent of £20,000 to £30,000 would be charged from December.

Boating facilities for disabled children and adults could be threatened if the volunteers are forced to move to a smaller lock cottage close-by.

The trust's canal boat, the Barbara McLellan, has been operating from its wharf base for four years, providing a free service for hundreds of disabled people.

Despite being given a one-year reprieve, the trust volunteers face eviction in five months' time.

Volunteers restored the building during the 1970s and now feel their hard work is being shunned in favour of a lucrative commercial deal. Transport 2000 has become involved in the fight and volunteers hope their appeal will be heard in the upper levels of government.

Volunteer Mary Antcliff said: "Our business plan has now been rejected and the committee is bound by any decision made by the Kennet and Avon Trust headquarters in Devizes.

"But as individuals we reserve the right to explore any possibilities which help us remain on the wharf.

"The people who make the decisions on our behalf are businessmen not volunteers, and whilst they may think they are representing our best interests, they don't fully understand the strength of feeling in the branch.

"If we were forced to move it would make things very difficult for the disabled boat trips."

British Waterways says it is in negotiations with the canal trust to come up with an "amicable solution."

Cllr Minna Gillham said the wharf was one of Bradford's crown jewels.

She said: "They provide a vital service to the tourism industry in this town.

"The volunteers contribute all their money to British Waterways. I am sure it could make up some of the difference in rent."