Canal future is a hot topic (From Stroud News and Journal)

Canal future is a hot topic

A PRESENTATION on the future of Stroud's canal was enough to draw people to the Subscription Rooms in their hundreds.

Crowds braved the bitter cold last Tuesday evening to attend the public meeting, squeezing into the packed building to hear why a restored canal could provide the town with a boost.

The event was organised by Stroud Town Council and featured a slide show and presentation from British Waterways' Andrew Stumpf, followed by a lively question and answer session.

Some 350 people turned up, filling the ballroom. The balcony had to be opened to allow more people to hear what was said.

"There's obviously a lot of interest in the canal and while there are some opposing views I think most people can see the benefits and understand it will be a catalyst for change in Stroud," said Mr Stumpf.

"But that's not to say there aren't obstacles to overcome."

He said he was hopeful the canal could be fully restored and re-opened from Sharpness to Brimscombe within five years.

"Really we're talking about 35 years because the volunteers and enthusiasts have been pushing for this since 1972," he said.

"Work is already underway in places but major works are likely to begin in the middle of next year, when we've got the funding in place."

There is also work still to be done assessing the environmental benefits and impact as well as looking at how the likely influx of visitors will effect the area.

"I think there are a number of benefits. "There will be hard economic benefits such as encouraging the re-use of brownfield sites but also softer benefits in terms of creating somewhere pleasant to walk and sit and watch the world go by.

"It will also provide a safe route for cycling into town and will be preserving part of the area's historic fabric as well."

Stroud's deputy major, Cllr Sheila Booth, said the council was delighted with the success of the event.

"The council sees the re-opening of the canal as an important step in the recovery of the town, especially the Cheapside area," she added.

Andrew Watton, chartered surveyor and meeting regular, said it was the best public meeting he had attended for years, if not ever.

"It was a genuine consultation," he said.

"I think people are genuinely excited by the opportunities the canal will bring.

"Although they've been saying for years that the canal is going to be restored most people have said it will never happen.

"But now that it looks like it's going to go ahead I think people are keen to see how it's going to be done."

"It goes to show that Stroud has this very active community that does take an interest in its environment and wants to be kept informed."

* An in-depth conference on the canal will be taking place at the Subscription Rooms on Saturday, January 25. Though free, places are limited to 100 and must be booked in advance. Anyone who is interested should call Juliet Shipman of the Stroud Civic Society on 01452 770263 for a booking form.