National Canal Restoration Report launched on the Wey & Arun Canal

The newly-formed Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) chose the Wey & Arun Canal for the launch of its latest report on 16 April. The influential IWAC report covers the state of inland waterway restoration and development projects in England, Wales and Scotland. The Wey & Arun Canal was chosen for the launch as it is an excellent example of what voluntary effort and enthusiasm can do to push forward a canal's restoration.

IWAC is the government's formal advisory body on all strategic waterways issues. The Chairman, John Edmonds, said "The Wey & Arun Canal is a magnificent example of what a dedicated team of volunteers can achieve in restoring disused canals". IWAC's report lists nine significant projects that have been completed since a previous report was published in 2001, ninety other projects where progress continues and twenty projects included for the first time.

The IWAC report identifies the Wey & Arun Canal as a strategic link with a high built heritage value, whose restoration would contribute strongly to rural regeneration. It specifically commends the commitment and persistence of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust. The report also applauds the Trust's success in progressing towards its objective of completely restoring the canal link between the Thames and the English Channel. It comments that restoration offers the opportunity of creating a sustainable low-cost heritage and tourism amenity in a populated area with few inland waterways, with huge benefit to local communities.

The Wey & Arun Canal receives no money from central government. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has raised all the funds for the restoration of the canal crossing under the main road in Loxwood. This project, with a total cost of £1.2 million, is due to enter its final phase in July 2007.

Further information and photographs in the form of JPEG files 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.