Buckingham canal restoration takes another step forward

Archived press release

Date Published: 09/05/12

Buckingham canal restoration

Part of a long term plan to restore the disused Buckingham canal has been approved.

The Buckingham Canal Society (BCS) has wanted to reopen the waterway for a number of years, saying it will boost the area with positive environmental and economic outcomes.

Aylesbury Vale District Council has now given planning permission for work on a stretch of the original canal at Bourton Meadow, near Home Farm. The approval means BCS will be able to reline and re-water this section of the route.

The 211-year-old waterway from Cosgrove Lock to Buckingham originally ran for a total of just under 11 miles (17.7km) and was used to transport bricks and coal before it closed down during the 1960s. Much of the canal is now dry and parts have been built over.

BCS has been carrying out work for several years in a bid to eventually get boaters using its waters once again. They are currently working on sections at the nature reserve near Hyde Lane reservoir, Cosgrove, Little Hill Farm near Thornton College and the section at Bourton Meadow.

As a key part of achieving the restoration, the society has been developing partnerships with landowners, local authorities and other organisations. In 2011 both AVDC and South
Northamptonshire Council pledged their support for the restoration project and approved partnership agreements with the BCS. Additional partnerships also exist with British Waterways, Buckinghamshire County Council and Buckingham Town Council.

As part of the partnerships, the councils provide advice on funding to BCS and consider opportunities to provide equipment and materials.

As well as the expected positive social and economic impact on the area the project will also be of environmental benefit. Restoration of the canal would provide new employment, create a range of leisure opportunities, increase the diversity of the natural environment and preserve important structures and artefacts.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “I am delighted the first stage of the restoration project has received planning approval. A huge amount of work has been done to date by the BCS and we look forward to the reopening of this great canal. This is a very important project for Aylesbury Vale and Buckinghamshire as a whole.”

Athina Beckett, Chairman of BCS, said: “This is a very exciting milestone for the Canal Society. It is wonderful to see the support for the project from both the community and local authorities. We will now be progressing with grant applications and preparatory works on site. Volunteers are always welcome to come and help us at all levels of skill from novice to professional, either on site or with administrative work. Everyone can come and dig in!”

More information about the Buckingham canal and plans for its restoration are available at www.buckinghamcanal.org.uk