The Wey & Arun Canal Trust is very pleased to announce that the contract for their new electric public trip boat has been signed with Colecraft Engineering Limited of Southam Warwickshire. The electrical work will be carried out by the Solar Boat Company subcontracted to Colecraft.

The boat will be named "Wiggonholt", and will carry information about the environmental activities of the Wiggonholt Association., who is the main sponsor. The Association's contribution includes a donation from one of its members, who much admires the Canal initiative and wishes at the same time to give a benefit to the Wiggonholt Association.

The boat will hold around 50 passengers. It will run on electricity, making it a green and sustainable vessel, thereby promoting the aims of both organizations: To enhance the amenity of the canal, to protect the ecology of its surroundings and to encourage biodiversity.

Colecraft will now draw the plans required by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and providing they approve the plans, building will commence in the autumn with delivery at the end of the year.

Dusty Miller on behalf of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust said "We were very impressed with the high standard of workmanship at Colecraft and the Solar Boat Co and we are delighted that they will be building our new boat".

Further information and photographs in the form of JPEG files can be obtained from the Wey and Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: 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.