| UK. Cotswold Canals restoration leaps forward with £17.9 million funding |
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| Friday, 27 January 2006 | |
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Waterways news: The restoration of the Cotswold Canals has taken its biggest step forward after being formally awarded £11.9 million on 25 January 2006 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition, the project has been offered match funding of £6 million by the South West of England Regional Development Agency. Detailed works and feasibility studies will now be undertaken in the next few weeks by the Cotswold Canals Partnership to ensure the project can go ahead on time, within budget and within proposed funding structures. The Cotswold Canals, formed by the historic waterways of the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal, once traversed the Cotswold hills and some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside to link the Rivers Severn and Thames. Today’s award, applied for by British Waterways on behalf of the Cotswold Canals Partnership, represents a major boost to the area and will act as a catalyst for inward investment and regeneration. The project will conserve 30 historic structures, including bridges and locks, and help to protect rare species including bats, water vole and crayfish. It will attract an estimated 215,000 extra visitors and create 600 jobs by 2014 and create a 10 mile trail for walkers, anglers, cyclists, wheelchair users and pushchairs allowing a large and diverse number of people to learn and discover more about our waterways and their history. An intensive drive to deliver the remaining funding through a combination of The Waterways Trust’s fundraising campaign, private sector investments and other sources connected with the project has already started. Over the coming months, Partnership plans will be put into action including the development of detailed designs, local consultation and securing the remaining land along the canals. Subject to this being successfully completed, physical work on the canals would be expected to start in the late summer on the Stroudwater Navigation - with completion by the end of 2008. Robin Evans, British Waterways Chief Executive, said: "This is fantastic news for Stroud, surrounding local communities and the Cotswold Canals Partnership. These two historic waterways will prove to be a tremendous catalyst for regenerating this area whilst safe-guarding their future for everyone to enjoy." Adrian Tinniswood, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s South West committee, said: "People love canals and the restoration of this beautiful stretch of water will let an important part of the local heritage become living history. It will also play a significant role for the local community by attracting visitors, creating employment and encouraging people to get out and about in a really special, historic environment." The project is backed by a strong community partnership made up of: British Waterways; The Waterways Trust; The Cotswold Canals Trust; Stroud District Council; Cotswold District Council; North Wiltshire District Council; Gloucestershire County Council; Wiltshire County Council; The Environment Agency; Cotswold Water Park Society; The South West Regional Development Agency; The Inland Waterways Association; Learning & Skills Council; South West Tourism and Company of Proprietors Stroudwater Navigation. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 27 January 2006 ) |
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