The Restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers supplied January 2007, updated February 2008

1

I hear you now have £11.3m Lottery Money. How much restoration can be done for that?

This is part of a £24m package to restore from The Ocean at Stonehouse to Brimscombe Port. This 6mile section of canal has ten locks and six bridges and contains much heritage and regeneration opportunity.  In this Phase 1a, the section from Ryeford Double Lock to Dudbridge will be the first to be completed.  Stroud District Council, South West Region Development Agency, European Union, Gloucestershire County Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust are funding partners. 

2

But surely it has always been the aim to connect from Saul… has this been forgotten?

Far from it, the HLF money includes a sum to purchase the in filled section of canal around the A38 and the motorway. 

3

How will the canal get under the A38?

There are several options. The favourite at the moment is to follow original route and tunnel under road to other side of Whitminster roundabout.  Bristol Road Lock will be built west of the Whitminster roundabout to give correct levels.

4

How will the canal get under the motorway?

Several options here:

Joining the river route with a lock into and out of the river on either side of the M5 bridge 

Using existing bridge or culvert to the north of the river crossing

Cut and fill on the original route. This is the most costly.

5

How many miles are in water now?

Almost 5½ miles are in water between Saul Junction and Stroud. There is then almost continuous water for another 2½ miles from Stroud to Chalford. In some places, especially on Thames and Severn canal, water is seasonal due to the leaky bed. However deep water is extending in such places as Ebley where housing development planning gain has allowed full excavation.

6

When will Walk Bridge be opened?

Although unfortunately not part of Phase 1a, plans are ready and on display at the Heritage Centre. We are waiting a full funding package.

7

How difficult will it be to re-open the tunnel?

There are two side falls and one roof fall.
It is believed that two thirds of the tunnel is in good repair. Not difficult with modern methods and past experience.

8

Who owns the land?

On the Stroudwater - three landowners in the missing mile. All the rest is owned by The Company of Proprietors of Stroudwater Navigation.
The Thames and Severn Canal is in multi-ownership. Gloucestershire County Council Stroud to Chalford, Bathurst Estate, Cooperative Wholesale Soc. etc. There are some small ownerships at Kempsford.

9

What about the landowners who not want to sell?

There were eighty different owners on The Ribble Link. This was completed by amicable negotiation. A good pattern for this waterway.

10

I heard that British Waterways now own the Inglesham Round House, what is happening in the Eastern sector.

All opportunities will be taken as they arise… e.g. The new Spine Road bridge over the canal at Wildmoorway. Plans are afoot to extend the public right of way by a ‘permissive pathway’ on private land. We are working towards re-watering the Wildmoorway pound and putting in a trip boat. Ruck's Bridge is under restoration with Eysey Lock to follow.

11

When will we see something happening?

It is happening now. Go to the Stroud District Council offices at Ebley. Oil Mills Bridge and the canal to Ryeford started in 2007.
Go to the Spine Road Bridge at Wildmoorway. A new bridge at Wallbridge Stroud providing a safe underpass is likely to be seen in 2009. Keep looking at the website and you will be kept informed.

12

How long will it take to open throughout?

Dependent on funding, ten years is a realistic forecast.

13

Where will the water supply come from?

Current negotiations are locating sites for storage facilities for summer. A properly sealed eight mile long summit level will also act as a reservoir.  Back pumping is part of scheme.

14

How will they stop water leaking from the summit level?

Lining as on the Kennet and Avon Canal. 

15

Will the canal link with any of the lakes in the Water Park?

For others to decide. Not part of the Cotswold Canals partnership plans.

16

If use is made of the River Frome channel, how will silting be controlled?

At Whitminster the River Frome is not prone to silting at present. Use of river under M5.  Possibility of creating discrete channel, only common waters in flood conditions.

17

What about the adverse effects on nature?    

There is a conservation management plan currently out for consultation. It will be the standard handbook for all contractors. Other canal restoration projects have been proven to manage and improve habitats.

18

Is the Channel is too small to allow any significant transfer of water to the Thames valley?

No. The Cotswold Canals are broad canals.
The Oxford Canal (narrow) is being used for water transfer.

19

Will the locks be restored to modified sizes or a standard size throughout?

Heritage is very much part of the attraction of the Cotswold Canals and the Heritage Lottery Fund stipulates restoration/conservation of artifacts to the original.

20

What will the navigable dimensions be – including air draft?

Stroudwater Canal - 16' wide, 4'6" deep. Thames and Severn Canal -16' wide to Brimscombe Port.  Air draft 8’
Thereafter – 12’ wide & 4’6” deep. Air draft 8’

21

Will the branch to Cirencester be restored as far as practicable?

No firm plans at present.

22

Will the canal west of the Junction down to the Severn be restored?

Not part of the current proposal.

Line merged with River Frome etc. in 1970's as flood relief scheme.

23

Will the basin at Wallbridge be brought back into use?

Private enterprise. Not part of CCT restoration scheme. The canal aims to be a catalyst for development of disused and underused buildings along the canals corridor and the basin could be included in this. It may be that this happens during or following the main restoration project.

24

What will happen at Brimscombe Port?

With funding from South West Regional Development Agency the Port was purchased in March 2006.

Phase Ia means that work will start and water will return to Brimscombe. Detailed discussions between Stroud District Council and Parish Council are ongoing.
Watch this space!

25

What about the buildings that have been built on the line?  

Siddington bottom lock. The best solution would be to purchase it when it comes on the market. Hope Mills - no problem, access at rear planned in development, move towpath over to opposite side and move canal over.

Isn't this restoration really just about creating a National Water Grid?

We wish it were. There would be no funding problems. It is estimated 30 million pounds would be injected.

27

Who funded the Heritage Centre?

 British Waterways, Stroud District Council & Cotswold Canals Trust. 

28

Can I take a boat trip anywhere on the canal?

Yes, from Easter to September.

At the Western end - Saul Junction
Cotswold Canals Trust trip boat Perseverance operates on Saturdays:- 1pm – 4.30pm.
Sundays & Bank holidays: 11am – 4.30pm.  Skippered charters are also available for private groups of up to twelve passengers.

At the Eastern end the Trust’s Thames river launch Inglesham operates at Lechlade.

Saturdays, Sundays & Bank holidays:-
11am – 5pm. 

The launch is also available for skippered private charters.