Funding success enables bank restoration to begin in anniversary year
THE Chichester Ship Canal Trust has secured 75% of the funding needed for the initial phase of the bank restoration programme.
Its fundraising campaign began in autumn 2020 and thanks to individual donors, contributions from local councils, significant grants, as well as income generated by canal activities, this success means that work can begin.
Specialist contractors will restore the most critically damaged sections of the canal bank, which are the very foundations of the canal, underpinning the towpath used by so many people, keeping the waterway safe for all users, and managing water flow.
Trustee Mark Stoneham said: “We’re obviously thrilled with the funding position, and delighted we can start this work to celebrate our 200th anniversary year. We’ve seen during the pandemic how important the canal is for both physical and mental recreation, whether for dog walkers, joggers or weekend walkers, and we appreciate that the closure of a very heavily used stretch of the towpath will impact on many local residents.
“However, it’s really important that this work is carried out safely and promptly, so that the towpath and waterway are safe for users now and into the future.”
The stretch to be completed first runs from approximately 300m south of the steps to the Canal Walk housing development towards Hunston for about 250m. The trust is providing excavators, a tug and barge to help with the movement of materials.
An alternative route available via the A27 during the closure has been approved by West Sussex County Council Public Rights of Way. The waterway will remain open for licensed paddlers and scheduled boat trips.
The towpath surface, which was resurfaced in 2021 with funding from Donnington Parish Council, will be returned to its new high standard.
Mark added: “The work is scheduled to be completed ahead of our 200th anniversary celebration event on Saturday, April 9, in the Easter holidays, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the canal to mark this significant milestone.”
The trust will continue to raise funds and apply for external funding to enable restoration to further stretches of the canal banks to be completed in the next few years.