The crossing of the B2133 road in Loxwood, West Sussex, is the latest in a long line of successful restoration projects carried out by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust over the last 30 years. The final phase is now being planned and, at the Autumn Meeting held in Pulborough on 28^th October, the Trust's Treasurer appealed for the last part of the funding to complete this £1.2 million project.

Already the Trust has spent £625,000 on the crossing project, which has included the building of a new lock one side of the road (the first new lock to be built in West Sussex for 120 years), rebuilding the existing lock (Brewhurst Lock) on the other side, and excavating the section of canal in between so that there is enough headroom for boats to pass underneath the road. Local residents have welcomed the Trust's plans to add a footpath under the new bridge. This will give a safe walking route across the busy main road for the many locals and visitors who enjoy the peaceful canalside surroundings.

The final phase of the crossing project will start as soon as funds become available. Through their own endeavours (and donations from a number of charitable trusts) the Trust has raised all the money so far and there is a target to raise the final £150,000 as quickly as possible.

A recent appeal to members of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust has so far brought in donations of over £37,000 but the Trust's task now is respond to The Manifold Trust's generous pledge to match donations of up to £150,000. If you would like to give a donation, however modest, we would be delighted. Please make cheques payable to 'The Wey & Arun Canal Trust' and send to The Hon. Treasurer, The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, The Granary, Flitchfold Farm, Loxwood, Billingshurst RH 14 0RH. A receipt will be provided.

Speaking to a record crowd of nearly 200 Wey & Arun Canal Trust members, at the end of the business part of the Autumn meeting, Trust Chairman Peter Foulger commented 'Looking back at the last six months it is amazing how much has happened. I am sure it will not surprise anyone when I say that the B2133 crossing has been foremost in our minds. It is a massive undertaking and its scale has only really become apparent with the recent excavation work next to the main road. No one can fail to see that we are really making visible progress towards complete restoration of the canal'.

Further information can be obtained from the Wey & Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): email: pr@weyandarun.co.uk

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.