Agenda item

Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal

-  Action plan

-  CRT consultation

Minutes:

JW tabled the draft Slough Canal Action Plan and asked for input. 

 

IH didn’t like the idea of the wooden jetty being removed as it is a historical feature that ought to be improved with a new wooden top and walkway.  TH and DM both disagreed saying that something new would look better. 

 

The jetty as it used to look – photo provided by TH post meeting

 

All members agreed that the concrete wall between open space Housing land and the north side of the canal should be removed.  TH stated the concrete walls were initially installed as a safety measure to prevent small children from accessing the canal.  However, all agreed they had now become an eyesore and detract from the canal environment.  Members agreed SBC Housing and CRT should be approached about the wall being removed.

 

JW suggested a working group evening meeting to develop the ideas in the Action Plan, including a leaflet in time for the Canal Festival.  JW would send an invite.

 

Ollie Kelly, Parks Manager, SBC is very interested in integrating Bowyer Playing Fields and Bloom Park with the canal.  A meeting with the residents of Goodman Park is due in early May to discuss this matter.  JW would attend and report back to the LAF.

 

Dredging – the dredging that had been promised by CRT for the last few years is now underway to have a single channel cleared from Highline Yachting to the Basin.  Dredging is due to take place over 6 weeks and as much as possible will be done in that period. 

 

Members discussed the recent newspaper article about the dredging which also mentioned development potential of the canal basin.  All felt that the towpath needs to be opened out at the basin end and serious attention given by CRT to enhancements.

 

Members felt that small enhancements at the canal basin, as discussed and contained in the Action Plan would have a positive effect for local people and definitely increase the chances of encouraging future developers who may be interested in the site.  JW would draft a letter to CRT listing the main areas of concern and send it around to members with dates for a subgroup meeting to concentrate on the Action Plan implementation.  CRT had recently contacted JW mentioning their desire to make enhancements to the interface between the Basin and Stoke Road, which is a positive move.  JW would forward this correspondence to the correct officers to ensure this opportunity is progressed.

 

Resolved – Members agreed the draft Action Plan as a way forward. Actions to be taken as detailed above and item to remain on agenda.

 

Concerning the CRT Towpath consultation – the following were noted -

·  Future towpath maintenance must be secured.

·  Conflict between users; boaters, cyclists and walkers must be a high priority.

·  Possibility of a Slough Arm Partnership – the three LA’s to look at planning and maintenance issues.

·  Inclusion of the Slough Arm in the CVP – JW suggested future correspondence should be copied to the Chairman of the CVP.

 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: