"We need one last push", explains Sally Schupke, Chairman of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, giving an update on the project to improve the appearance of the Loxwood High Street Canal Bridge. "The good news is that the Loxwood community and the Canal Trust have raised more than 80% of the money we need. We have planning permission and we will very shortly sign a legal agreement with West Sussex County Council. The not so good news is that we need to place the order by March to avoid a price increase. We are appealing to local people and supporters to help us across the finishing line."

The Loxwood High Street Canal Bridge officially opened in May 2009. Loxwood residents and many others in the neighbourhood found the functional metal parapets at road level unattractive. The Canal Trust agreed to work in partnership with Loxwood Parish Council and the Loxwood Society to build new brick parapets. Locally-made brick will blend much better with the nearby 17th century Onslow Arms and the award-winning Loxwood Lock. "We love our village and we want future villagers to be proud of what their 21st century predecessors achieved", comments Len Milsom, Co-Chairman of the Loxwood Society.

A small team from the Canal Trust and the Loxwood community have worked patiently towards the target. Significant milestones included planning permission from Chichester District Council (August 2010) and West Sussex County Council's approval of the engineering design (February 2011). Quotations from contractors confirmed a total project cost of nearly £60,000. This was higher than hoped for, but major fundraising successes have included about £7,500 in response to a "Buy a Brick" appeal and grants of £6,275 from NatWest CommunityForce and £5,000 from Chichester District Community Chest. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust will contribute at least £15,000, in addition to generous donations from individual members. A series of special canal cruises has raised over £2,500.

"The next two months will be critical for the Loxwood parapets project", comments Sally Schupke. "We are pursuing a number of fundraising ideas but we feel there may be some kind people out there who will help us to reach our objective. We can offer supporters the chance to be part of something that will give enjoyment for many generations to come."

Donations should be made payable to "Wey & Arun Canal Trust" and sent to Sally Schupke, The Granary, Flitchfold Farm, Loxwood, Billingshurst RH14 0RH. Using Gift Aid, UK taxpayers can increase the value of their donations by 25%; please ask for a Gift Aid form or use the one available on the Trust's website www.weyandarun.co.uk