Wey & Arun Canal - "Buy a brick" appeal aims to improve Loxwood bridge appearance

	THE WEY & ARUN CANAL 'London's Lost Route to the Sea'

"Buy a brick" appeal aims to improve Loxwood bridge appearance

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust (WACT) is delighted to announce that agreement has been reached with Loxwood community representatives over the appearance of the metal railings on the new bridge carrying the B2133 road over the Wey & Arun Canal in the village.

Much to the local residents' consternation, the railings, although fully complying with roadside safety regulations, weren't the prettiest things in Loxwood. They stand out all the more when seen next to the new lock and horse bridge built in local brick by volunteers for the canal restoration project.

After careful consideration of various designs by Loxwood Parish Council and Loxwood Society in association with WACT, a planning application has been filed with Chichester District Council for a revised design. A reinforced concrete parapet to 1m high faced in brick on both sides with a lighter rail along the top will give a 'softer', more traditional appearance without adversely affecting safety.

Speaking at the Trust's Annual General Meeting in Billingshurst, West Sussex, Sally Schupke, chairman of WACT, launched a 'buy a brick' scheme, offering WACT members and supporters the chance to contribute £5 in exchange for a symbolic numbered brick.

"The sooner we raise the money, the sooner the metal railings will become brick faced to match the new lock and the whole area will look much better," said Sally.

Donations should be sent to The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, The Granary, Flitchfold Farm, Loxwood, Billingshurst, RH14 0RH. 01403 752403. Please mark your envelope "Buy a Brick".

Notes for Editors

Information is available from Bill Thomson, bill_thomson@weyandarun.co.uk, 01403 210347

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust
The Wey & Arun Canal, "London's lost route to the sea" was originally opened in 1816 between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, and Pallingham, near Pulborough, the head of navigation of the River Arun. It closed in 1871, due to railway competition. Since the 1970s the 23-mile waterway has been the subject of a campaign by volunteers led by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to restore the route to navigation. Work has been undertaken in a number of locations, most notably the stretch near the Sussex/Surrey border at Loxwood. Over two miles in length, this includes five working locks, two public road crossings, an aqueduct, two farm bridges, and numerous minor works, all built or rebuilt through voluntary effort. Boat trips are available on this stretch, onboard several craft, including the 50-seater electrically-powered Wiggonholt.

Last updated Monday, 17 May, 2010

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