MP visits restoration sites

Published: Wednesday, 03 November 2010

BUCKINGHAM MP, John Bercow, paid a visit recently to see how the work was progressing on the restoration of theĀ  Buckingham Canal.

Three sites were seen together with local councillors including Hyde Lane Lock, Little Hill Farm and Bourton Meadow near Buckingham which the society plans be the first part of the canal back in water.

Patron

John recently agreed to became a Patron of the Society and is offering advice and support in its fund raising activities.

In the current programme the restoration project is being financed through grants and fund raising, and in addition, non-monetary assistance has been forthcoming from several organisations including Buckinghamshire County Council which has recently entered into a partnership with the society.

Bring benefits

After reviewing the work undertaken, John exclaimed:

"It is a pleasure to see first hand the work undertaken by the society members. I have been very impressed with the vision of the canal restoration, and to see real and tangible progress is wonderful. The project will bring many benefits to Buckingham and the Ouse Valley both from economic, environmental and potential flood management perspectives."

The society would like to see the Buckingham Canal reopened, using the original line wherever possible. The waterway to Buckingham ran a total of just under 11 miles from the Grand Union Canal at Cosgrove Lock along the Stony Stratford and Buckingham Arms, but was officially abandoned in the 1960s, though it has been effectively closed since 1944.