Bid to bring canal into centre of Whitchurch

Sep 25 2008 by Andrew Bowan, Whitchurch Herald

PLANS for a water park which could provide a welcome boost to the local economy have been outlined to Whitchurch town councillors.

A scheme to bring the canal into the centre of town was described by Cllr Andrew Richardson at Thursday’s Whitchurch Town Council meeting.

He is the chairman of scheme proponent Whitchurch Waterway Trust.

The aim is to establish a series of lakes in Whitchurch Country Park, and connect the canal arm to the lakes.

Boats would then be able to travel to Jubilee Park at Sherrymill Hill.

The project would include day moorings, cycle tracks, walking paths, angling and conservation areas.

“Early ideas of an inclined plain to bring the boats in proved too expensive and we are looking at cheaper ways of linking lakes to the canal,” said Cllr Richardson.

“There would be moorings to let boats come into the town and there would be conservation areas for voles, birds, butterflies.

“We are now going out to consultation, and are looking for stakeholders.

“Local vet Steve Leonard is very keen on the conservation side.

“ I feel the town council should be one of the biggest stakeholders and would ask councillors to think about the project before saying they will support it.

“It really needs one or two councillors with an interest in wildlife to help push it forward.”

He added: “We’re looking at a series of locks to bring boats in. British Waterways thinks this could be relatively inexpensive.

“We don’t know what the overall cost will be yet – at the moment we are just looking for stakeholders and want support in principle.”

Cllr Ticker Harris said: “The country park is a complete disgrace at the moment. You need wellies bolted to your legs.

“They seem to have fenced the badgers in and the foxes out.

“There is dog mess and litter and 90% of this is off the boats.”

Cllr Richardson replied: “This is why Steve Leonard and a team were keen to talk to boaters at the weekend’s rally.”

Cllr Elaine Fearnall asked if the people living nearby are aware of the plan. Cllr Richardson said they were and there was overwhelming support for it.

Cllr Pauline Stokes said: “Tourism is so important to Whitchurch, and the canal is a wonderful opportunity for the town.”

Town clerk Peter Martin agreed.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and a great example of a partnership arrangement, which unitary authority is all about,” he said. “It’ll bring trade into Whitchurch.”

Meetings are to be held with North Shropshire District Council, the local MP, Shropshire County Council and British Waterways. After that outline planning permission for the scheme will be sought.

Following the meeting, Cllr Richardson said a number of councillors have spoken to him and are supportive of the scheme.

He said any interested parties, conservation groups or individuals can call him on 01948 665598.

A survey was carried out over two years of all boaters coming into Whitchurch which found the vast majority are aged over 45 and, of these, 32% spend between £100 and £200, the majority of this going to the supermarkets.