Project helps to deliver improvements to Kennet and Avon Canal towpath

West Berkshire Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the Greenham Trust, the Canal and River Trust and Sustrans, to pursue opportunities for access improvements to the Kennet and Avon towpath through the district.

On 30 September a meeting was held at Padworth Village Hall, hosted by Sustrans. A range of stakeholders from the local area and wider, including potential funders, were briefed on the "Reimagining the Kennet & Avon" programme. 

This bold initiative being developed by the partnership aims to deliver - in stages and as resources allow - six projects centring on making the Kennet & Avon towpath more accessible across the district, so that everyone can share and enjoy the waterside environment.  

Stakeholders were shown a recently upgraded, accessible section of towpath and were invited to participate in the programme's evolution and delivery.

Working together and with valued input from other organisations such as local cycle group West Berkshire Spokes, the partners have already delivered:

• 1.7km of upgraded, surfaced towpath between Victoria Park and Ham Bridge, Newbury
• 700 metres of improved route between Aldershot Water Bridge and Brimpton Road, east of Thatcham
• 2.4km of widened, resurfaced towpath between Aldermaston Wharf and Ufton Lane
• 1.25km of resurfaced route between Mill Road, Burghfield and Hissey's Bridge, Calcot
• 380 metres of reconstructed waterside path between Mill Road, Burghfield and the waterside near the Cunning Man pub

The partnership is seeking funding for sensitive design and delivery of improvements along the waterside corridor. The partners are agreed on the need to take a holistic approach in developing proposals for waterside improvements. Key considerations include:

• The sensitivity of the waterside environment and ecology
• The need to make the towpath more robust and fit for the purposes it serves, giving access for anglers, boaters, considerate cyclists using National Cycle Network Route 4 and walkers with differing levels of mobility, and for relaxation and enjoyment
• Opportunities to reduce risks associated with flooding
• Opportunities to boost the economic vitality of towns and villages on route, tying in with Town Centre Strategies and local objectives
• Heritage, reflecting the importance of the canal as a historic transport route for goods, coupled with multiple heritage assets along the corridor
• Interpretation and Wayfinding

Sustrans Regional Director for England South Sarah Leeming said:

"Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 4 runs along the Kennet & Avon Canal, providing an attractive, tranquil stretch of Network along the water's edge. Over the last few years Sustrans has been able to improve some sections of the towpath, but many further enhancements are needed to help create a safer and more enjoyable route for everyone, all year round.  Sustrans is excited to be working in partnership with the Greenham Trust, Canal & River Trust and others to raise funding for future schemes to safeguard this important blue-green ribbon running through West Berkshire." 

Councillor Stuart Gourley, West Berkshire Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said:

"The Kennet & Avon Canal runs through West Berkshire and plays a part in uniting communities along its path. It is an important feature for many of our residents and provides sustainable access for leisure and work. Transforming the canal is essential to our future infrastructure network and West Berkshire Council wants to ensure it remains so for many years to come."  

Chris Boulton, CEO at Greenham Trust said:

"We're very proud to support the "Reimagining The Canalside" project, which has the potential to transform this historic space for the entire community. By enhancing the towpath and surrounding areas, we're not only creating a lasting environmental legacy but also providing health and wellbeing benefits for all who use it. The collaborative effort between the Canal and River Trust, Sustrans and West Berkshire Council, and other local partners makes this project particularly special, and we look forward to seeing it develop and thrive in the years to come."  

For more details of the partnership initiative and how local organisations and individuals can contribute, visit https://www.greenhamtrust.com/canal/

Image shows stakeholders seeing the recently-upgraded towpath between Aldermaston Wharf and Ufton Lane (courtesy of Greenham Trust)