Canal has a future (From Stroud News and Journal)

Canal has a future

BRIMSCOMBE and Thrupp residents have been given a chance to air their hopes for the future of the canal and what it could bring to the Golden Valley.

At a crowded public meeting last week Andrew Stumpf of British Waterways outlined plans for the restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation and asked what local people would like to see happen to the canal.

Top of the agenda was the Brimscombe Corner site, now industrial land but at one time a thriving port where heavy barges from Gloucester would transfer their cargo onto smaller narrow boats which would continue their journey towards the Thames.

Mr Stumpf told residents how British Waterways would like to see a marina on the site but added there was plenty of scope for other facilities.

"People wanted something that reminded them of the heritage there," said Robin Hunt, clerk to Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish Council.

"They thought they would like something to link it to the history.

"It was good, if a bit of a surprise, to see a commitment from British Waterways to sound out parish views.

"It rather floored people that somebody should actually ask them what they wanted."

Although work is unlikely to begin for another two years there was an air of excitement at the meeting from the prospect of a fully-functional canal once more serving the valley.

"Residents are really looking forward to it," said Mr Hunt.

"There's a strong feeling that it will bring a lot of opportunities to the area."

While the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, residents were not without some concerns.

Some feared the potential 'yuppification' of the Golden Valley while others thought a huge influx of visitors might disrupt their peace and quiet.

"At the end of the day it's about finding a balance," said Mr Hunt.

"People don't want insensitive development but as long as things happen in areas that are already developed I think we would like the opportunities it will bring.

"It could make everybody here a little bit richer and I don't think anyone will be too upset about that."