West
Vale Branch |
I am pleased to report that the good progress announced in my last report has continued through the summer, although our lack of volunteer numbers has been a main controlling influence. We are now poised to make several major moves forward in the West Vale section. So what have we done?
At Steppingstone Lane Bridge (SLB) the bridleway diversion is open and the route across the collapsed bridge officially closed. The path to gaining the closure was long and hard with several layers of “red-tape” that had to be cut through, but we are nothing if not persistent, and got there in the end. We have used a galvanised steel gate at the Bourton end and “removable” posts and rails at the Shrivenham end. Thus we can still access the site but ensure that it is very obvious that the route is closed to conform to safety requirements. We have also moved one of our cabins from the Canalside Park to the SLB site to give us a cosy “brew room” and site office. Our thanks go to George Eycott for his able assistance with his Landrover and beaver-tailed trailer, without which it would have been a much more difficult task.
On the bridge itself, all four wing walls are now uncovered and appear in fair condition. A large ash stump and root system was pressing on the south east wing wall and we were worried about causing further damage when it was removed. Careful digging with our mini-digger and by hand showed that the roots did not actually penetrated the structure. It was eventually removed using the Tirfor Winch and brute strength. The base of the arch can now be seen at all four corners which is very encouraging. As more of the surrounding cover is removed, we continue to find the large coping stones from the corner buttresses and parapet. Some of these are over 4 foot long!
To the north east, we have identified the original towpath route and have cleared to the canal edge for a short distance. Again, it was very encouraging to find the stone edging to the canal in remarkably good condition. We hope to remove the bridge infill and culvert pipe during September to enable the invert to be cleared and examined. Exciting stuff!
I mentioned in the last report that we had submitted Planning Applications in two other areas. I am pleased to report that both were successful. We have gained approval for “Change of Use from Agricultural to Recreation and Leisure” for the bank of the canal from the Canalside Park boundary to a point 200m to the east of Tuckmill Brook. This will now give impetus to gaining the lease on this whole section. Also we have been given Approval for the building of a culvert (aqueduct?) to enable the canal to cross Tuckmill Brook – the Environmental Agency still have a few issues but these are being addressed. All very good news.
From all this you will deduce that we have plenty of “up front” projects – SLB and the towpath to Station Road Bridge to be getting on with. Also, for the next “phase” we are now doing the final paperwork exercise with the EA for Tuckmill Brook Culvert and looking at fundraising – we are going to put this out to contract if we can raise sufficient funds in the next 2 years! In the background, we have all the planning and surveying completed for Stainswick Lane Lift Bridge but this is awaiting a cash injection of the order of £120,000 - so is on hold!
The lease negotiations are going slowly for the sections around SLB and Savernake Brake. When completed, these will enable the linking and dredging of several “bits” already completed. This will then be the catalyst for us to seek a water source, other than land drainage, for the complete Shrivenham section of canal.
To keep abreast of the progress at SLB and other aspects of our branch activities please visit our web-site at www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk . If anyone feels like helping out in any area whether it be digging or writing, please contact the Branch Chairman or Work Party Organiser.Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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