Wichelstowe Swindon from the air. New Canal construction planned route.

Enjoy this Ariel drone view of Wichelstowe through to East Wichel in Swindon, Wiltshire.
These two sections will be joined together over the next 2 years. The building of new sections of canal and bridges is happening immanently. An exciting time for the Trust, its members and the whole community.

[@user-nx7hm7ht1y]

It will be marvellous for the canal to be extended from the Wichelstowe stretch. Exciting times afloat are ahead!

[@CourtAboveTheCut]

I can’t wait to see it all open and hope to get on a boat trip as soon as it is!

[@mrellis2463]

not sure the lock is in full working order, looks like it's seen better days to be honest even though it's only 15 years or so old.

[@wiltsberkscanaltrust]

Unfortunately, to keep the lock in best order the wood needed to be kept fully damp. This is done with constant use. Unfortunately the development is linked in (planning and construction) with house construction of which it's being funded by 106 funds. This has been much slower due to the economy. Therefore the lock was not connected up for use. The gates will probably need maintenance. They are still under ownership of the developers at present, as East Wichel has not yet had a handover to the Trust. The time is getting closer and we will assess the gates at that stage.

[@Daytona2]

Interesting to see, thanks. I haven't been following closely, but is the route going east to a proposed M4 underbridge then or a new route east out of Swindon, or both ? Perhaps link to a map ?

[@wiltsberkscanaltrust]

www.wbct.org.uk/enjoy-discover/interactive-map
Here's link to interactive map.
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