Cotswold Canals want £20m

A VITAL link in the Cotswold Canals restoration is that between Stonehouse and Saul on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

This would mean that at last the restoration would no longer be landlocked, but connected to the main system at Saul. The photograph shows the junction with the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal on the right.

Heritage Lottery fund

However, £20 millions is needed for completion, with £13.5 millions from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as £3.5 millions from other sources and £3 millions of 'volunteer input', Alan Tilbury reveals.

It is hoped to start this phase after the current work on the Stonehouse and Brimscombe section is completed, but is waiting a decision that is expected in April.

M5 and A38

Though it is stated this section is a 'more straightforward challenge technically' as there are far fewer locks and bridges, both the M5 and A38 will have to be negotiated.

This is all part of the aim to eventually connect the Thames and the Severn, now known as the Cotswold Canals, from Lechlade to Stroud.