Exploring the Wilts and Berks Canal - 1

Completed in 1810 but abandoned in 1914 you might not think there is much to see of this 52 mile long canal from its junction with the Kennet & Avon near Melksham to Abington on the Thames, and a northern branch up to Cricklade, but its active restoration trust is slowing progressing towards the ultimate reopening of the route as a viable waterway: http://www.wbct.org.uk

Celia James and I took a walk from Rea Bridge at Lacock to the A4 crossing at Forest Gate to have a closer look today. Parts have been well restored and look as though they are just waiting for the boats to arrive, other parts are visible but an overgrown jungle while other parts have been completely reclaimed by the neighbouring fields so the route is barely discernible - such as at the junction with the Chippenham Branch in the middle of a vast barley field.

One of the things about long term restoration schemes such as this is that as soon as a passage is restored it needs maintenance and that eats up more and more of the money. That means that either the rate of progress gets slower, or the parts which have already been restored will need to be re-restored when the whole canal is finally complete. This I learned was one of the conundrums being faced by the painfully slow restoration of the Mongomeryshire canal where an restored but isolated section is filling up with weeds and silt due to lack of use. This can also be counterproductive from a conservationists point of view as the water starts to stagnate, leak out and deter rather than encourage the essential diversity of wildlife and vegetation which they are trying to encourage.

I am pleased that there are ambitious plans at each of three ‘ends’ of the Wilts and Berks canal at Semington, Cricklade and Abington. If a key focus is to get boats starting to use these accessible bits of the canal - and then transferring to the guardianship and maintenance of the newly formed Canal & River Trust - the restoration can then focus on nibbling away at the next sections to further the navigable potential of the canal.

At the same time the entire route must be protected. In the short term the towpath at least must be made accessible. This has been made harder by the Act of Abandonment of 1914 which effectively allowed for the land on which the canal had been built to be either returned or sold to the adjoining landowner. There is classic case of the local authority botching up progress here with the National Cycleway Network Route 403 now effectively severed by the termination of the access agreement with the local landowner. Wiltshire Council has so far failed to reach a solution here which is simply unacceptable.

You will see from the attached images a canal in various states of restoration. The current progress at the three Pewsham Locks is encouraging but I am concerned at the state of the neighbouring restored section which is sliding back into neglect. This length could easily be showcase for the area and a shining example of what is possible. It needs to be fully watered, in use with trailable boats, involving more of the local community (Pewsham estate is only 10 minutes walk away), involving the local media and engaging effectively with social media, and ensuring the route is fully accessible by walkers and cyclists. 

This was a fascinating afternoon though and huge congratulations and thanks to all the volunteers who are so committed to this immense project. We shall visit another section soon!

Corsham Street Party

Even the sun came out (briefly) in Corsham High Street yesterday for an absolutely splendid Jubilee Street Party. A table was laid for over 100 people and it groaned under the weight of an amazing array of food which had been prepared by residents and friends who came together to celebrate this unique event. It was great to be part of it - even if technically I do not live on the High Street. It was also a wonderful symbol of the unity within our community as people of all ages, new comers as well as people who lived here all their lives and from a wide variety of background were all equal and shared in the feast to which we had all contributed.

Traffic calming in South Place

As I have been working from home this week I have had the delightful opportunity to monitor the effects of the temporary traffic calming measures at Corsham's town centre! Watching the traffic flow along South Place is rather akin to watching paint dry and I commend the volunteers from CCAN who have been out there in all weathers counting vehicles as they take their turn to politely pass along the highway - well most of them do! It has actually been quite extraordinary seeing how a small number of people seem to have got very over-excited about this simple change to their normal routine.

But there is a bigger issue here. Who is the highway for? In my book it is a shared route for cars, buses, cyclists, pedestrians etc. We all have a right to pass along the highway safely and we all know that South Place is an awkward stretch of road. This is compounded by being surrounded by historic listed buildings, being part of a conservation area, and the centre of our town. Quite a mix!

Having lived at the narrowest part of this road for nearly 14 years I am only too aware of the increase in traffic and the increasing danger to pedestrians in that time - particularly when two vehicles pass at the narrowest part.  The pavement is extremely narrow in places and used by hundreds of people each day including young children and parents going to and from the primary schools who I regularly see narrowly escaping wing mirrors etc. People even pass perilously alongside Osborne House where there is no pavement at all to get from Station Road to the Methuen Centre.

Observing the effect this pilot scheme has been having this week and noticing the flow hour by hour it is obvious that it is calming the traffic down and making this part of the town centre safer for its residents. A few people - mostly drivers who do not live in Corsham - have been very emotive in their views about this but they are only seeing it from one perspective. Any delays really are very minor as any build up of traffic is brief and clears very quickly.

There will be time for a review now but it is widely acknowledged that something will have to be done about this stretch of road. This measure seems the most logical solution and no one has come up with any sensible alternative suggestion. If it is implemented it may cause a tiny inconvenience to some drivers on the odd occasion but looking at the bigger picture traffic calming can only help to make our town centre that little bit more civilised for everyone.

The Revolution! heads for Edinburgh

Look what’s coming to Edinburgh Fringe this year!

From 4 - 27 August Revolution Arts will be taking Revolution! The Music to Edinburgh following it's pre Edinburgh tour of the South West. Britain’s next big musical is a captivating story of love, hope and freedom in a crumbling communist regime.

When discontent strikes the frustrated people of a Bosnian city, only one man can lead them to freedom in this bold, harrowing, yet hilarious original, new production.

Don’t miss the revolution! Join the revolution across the South west or in Edinburgh itself for an epic and unforgettable rollercoaster journey of laughter and tears.

Buying your tickets

Check out our website for up to date details on tickets: www.revolutionthemusical.co.uk

The 2012 Revolution begins - in St Ives!

The first weekend of rehearsals have taken place in an amazing clifftop location at St Ives, Cornwall. If this weekend is anything to go by, lovers of musical theatre are in for a treat this year when we launch Revolution! The Musical's 2012 production. A professional cast and epic music like nothing ever seen before in musical theatre!