I recently met with representatives from the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust to discuss the ambitious “Melksham Link” project. This section of the canal has been in the planning for a long time and I am very pleased to be able to lend my support and do what I can to help with its delivery.
The project will bring huge benefits to the area in terms of attracting tourism businesses and providing a beautiful leisure space for residents and visitors to enjoy. I was thrilled to receive news this morning that the restoration of the Wilts & Berks canal to link the English northern and southern waterway systems, for which crossing the M4 has been a significant logistical obstruction has received a huge boost with Highways England awarding over £42,000 towards the Trust’s feasibility studies via its Environment and wellbeing fund.
In the longer term the Trust hopes this will help to demonstrate the benefits of restoration to other towns along the historic route, including Melksham and Chippenham.
