Kennet & Avon Canal - ongoing discussion, anniversaries and incidents

[whole diary]

[CyclingSid]

Chris, thanks for giving me an excuse for some post-Sunday lunch exercise!

The good news is that the three breaks in the towpath between Fobney and Southcote locks have been repaired. Basically surface dressing and a bit rough for a Brompton.

But there is work on the A33 where it crosses the canal just after where the canal meets Foudry Brook. It looks like they are going to widen the bridge an extra bus lane, and hang a bike lane off the side?? RBC^▸ (Reading Borough Council, or Radio Block Centre, depending on context) has waffled about this for so long that it becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction. It does restrict joining the tow path to a single option, as opposed to two or three previously. Not sure how or when extending the bridge will affect the towpath.

Sid

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thanks, Sid! 

That still amounts to some progress, though. 

CfN^▸ (Chris from Nailsea, an administrator on this forum)

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

New initiative to 'transform' canal towpath access

[Image from here is not available to guests]
The River Kennet in Newbury

A new initiative is set to improve access to a waterside and the surrounding areas, says a council.

West Berkshire Council, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, the Canal and River Trust and Greenham Trust are working in partnership to develop and deliver access improvements to the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The long-term initiative, called "Reimagining the Kennet & Avon Waterside", will aim to create "a safe, traffic free, high-quality walking and cycling route" along the canal.

The council says the initial phase will see "significant" investment between Newbury Football Ground and Goldwell Park, with planned improvements including an upgrade to a 220-metre section of existing Nation Cycle Network path.

Other improvements include remedial works to the towpath and bank between Town Bridge and Victoria Park, as well as signing, lining and related works on Northcroft Lane between the town centre and Goldwell Park.

The proposed improvements will add to schemes already delivered in the district, according to the council.

The partnership also aims to upgrade other waterside sections in Newbury, Thatcham, and Calcot.

Justin Pemberton, West Berkshire Council's executive member for community engagement, economic development and regeneration, devolution and local government reorganisation, said: "Our canals are an important part of Newbury's identity. They bring people together, support wildlife, and create valuable green spaces for everyone to enjoy. The work we are carrying out along the canal is helping to protect this historic environment, improve access, and keep the area safe and welcoming."

The Greenham Trust says the "ambitious" project aims to transform how people experience the canal and ensure its free access "to all for many years to come".