BUDE CANAL PROJECT

This report by Chris Jewell was written in early 2007 - things have changed a little since then and, as with most things, timelines and projections are different.

The page will be updated, but after reading this please follow the links to NCDC's website for the latest news. We have now additionally developed a photographical record of developments. This will be updated so please check it out via the link on the home page of the website.

In 1998, a canal partnership was set up to actively pursue the regeneration of the Bude Canal. The partnership leader is North Cornwall District Council and the partners include, Cornwall County Council, Devon County Council Torridge District Council, Bude Stratton Town Council, other Parish Councils, Inland Waterways Association, Bude Canal and Harbour Society, Environment Agency and other interested parties.

It was agreed that the project would be dealt with in 2 parts. The first would be a far ranging feasibility study to identify what could and could not be done. This was undertaken by Messrs. W.A.Atkins, and the final report identified the aspects that could be achieved. These included the restoration to navigation of the Barge Canal from Bude to Helebridge, nr, Marhamchurch, a distance of 2 miles. This would require the dredging and restoration of banks etc, the re-instatement of the 2 inland locks and the reconnection of the existing canal to Helebridge Basin, which is the terminus of the Barge Canal. The other aspects include securing canal structures such as wheelpits and inclined planes, re-watering of Bude Aqueduct, circular and long distance walks using where possible canal towpaths.

The project then entered the second stage, which was undertaken by Messrs. Halcrow. The object being to examine the proposals from the first study and give detailed breakdowns on how those proposals could be achieved, with costings and possible funding bodies. Their final report was accepted in November 2001 and the final stages of the project are being progressed by North Cornwall District Council working in partnership with both County Councils and Torridge District Council. Funding will be sought from Heritage Lottery, Objective 1 for Cornwall and Regional Development Agency (RDA). The RDA has pledged just below £1 million pounds to the total cost of £3.36 million.

At present the final bids are being prepared and should be submitted October 2003. If all goes well and the funding required is achieved, physical work will start in January 2005 and be completed by December 2006.

The canal walks part of the scheme was separated from the main funding package in 2002 and became part of a major application for Intereg funding by British Waterways on behalf of Waterway authorities in the UK, Ireland, France and Germany. That funding has been granted and is to be used by 2006. The grant of £96,000 will establish a 20 mile circular walk, extend the Tamar Way from Launceston to Tamar Lake, completing the route from Plymouth and create 3 short circular walks in the Holsworthy area, using sections of the canal in that area. A website, interpretation boards and a new leaflet will be produced to help promote the walks. These walks will happen, even if the main canal project were to fail.

It is only right to say that when the canal project comes to fruition, it will be because of dedication and the unfailing support by the members of the partnership for the project.led by North Cornwall District Council.

The Bude Canal Project will be the catalyst to create jobs and give a better and balanced environment for local people and the tourists to use and enjoy.

CHRIS JEWELL
BUDE CANAL AND HARBOUR SOCIETY

This article was written some time ago and also linked to the NCDC site which has now been taken down. We will be making new links to photos and reports in due course.