Northampton Arm now has three new benches and a defibrillator

THROUGHOUT the autumn, volunteers from IWA Northampton Branch have been installing benches along the towpath, supported by funding from Cummins Power Systems.

The first bench was installed at Lock 1, a little down from Gayton Junction in September. An old bench had been removed from this site to be refurbished and installed at Lock 3.

During work parties in November, volunteers dug out and poured the concrete bases for the second and third benches and a defibrillator, at Lock 14 at Pineham. This work party was supported by volunteers from the Network Rail Milton Keynes finance team.

Then, in December, a small group of volunteers fixed two new benches to the hardstanding. A defibrillator cabinet funded by Hunsbury Meadows Parish Council was also put in place.

The volunteer work parties normally take place twice a month along the Northampton Arm as part of the adoption by IWA Northampton Branch. Volunteer at waterways. org.uk/northampton

PHOTOS: IWA Wheelchair and pushchair users will benefit from extra hardstanding space alongside two of the benches.