West
Vale Branch |
This past month has been one of “trials and tribulations” for our local Branch. But I suppose it helps to make for an interesting life. We certainly do not suffer from boredom.
The first major problem was the arrival of Travellers at the Canalside Park. The arrival was noted by many villagers, riders and walkers. What was very pleasing was the speed in which everyone contacted various Branch Members and the local Police. On behalf of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust can I thank all of those who made this effort, it was well worth it. Due to the speed of our response the Police were able to serve notice on the Travellers in a very speedy fashion, and they were “moved on” within a week. We have written to the Policemen/women involved and the Chief Constable thanking them for this prompt action. Damage was minor, only one gate broken and the height restrictor removed. There was a fair amount of rubbish abandoned, which we have since removed, and an amount of our stored wood burned. Other than that, we were lucky!
On a different note and as reported last month, we have been struggling with the Oxfordshire County Council in agreeing the correct process for closing the existing causeway at Steppingstone Lane Bridge having already constructed the diversion. After several letters and telephone calls between us, the position has now been clarified and having been given the go-ahead verbally, we expect the formal paperwork to arrive soon. Very good news indeed! Hopefully the good weather will stay with us now and we can start to clear the arch of that concrete pipe.
For more information or to volunteer assistance please come along to one of our meetings held in the Shrivenham Bowls Club, Martens Road, on the second Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. You will be made very welcome. For those with a computer and Internet access please visit our Branch Web Site at www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk.
Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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