A NEWLY-RESTORED section of canal is now open to the public at Studley Grange.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust excavated a new canal section between Chaddington Lane and Studley Grange and created a new wildlife trail along the towpath for people to enjoy.

The project cost more than £750,000.

WBCT Chairman Roderick Bluh said: “This new section of the Wilts & Berks canal is an excellent example of the co-operation between the organisations who worked together to create this amazing and diverse canal and towpath environment, giving benefit to all who use it.

“Biffa have been supporters from the very beginning of this project and, as our landlords, continue to support WBCT in many different ways.

“It is another step completed on our march towards Swindon bringing the dream of a canal restored to connect the southern canal network with the Midlands nearer to reality

"Restoring the remaining 60 plus miles of canal is no small ambition.

"It is full of planning, engineering, water supply, financial, legal, land ownership, and maintenance and manpower issues.

"We know it is never easy nor is it immediate. The clear message today is that it can be done.

"When everyone buys into the opportunities and benefits the canal brings and with all the necessary stakeholders working together, great things will happen.”

Mr Bluh was at the opening of the section on Wednesday with representatives from the project’s funders The Underwood Trust, Viridor and Big Lotto.

Also joining in the celebrations were members of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, contractors, students from Wiltshire College, councillors, residents, and members and volunteers from WBCT.

Local students and youth organisations were involved in the design of many of the information boards located along the length of the towpath as part of an education and engagement programme with the surrounding communities.

Proposals are in development to connect the completed canal from Royal Wootton Bassett at Templars Firs to this section and onwards to Swindon.

Nick Emery, regional estates manager at Biffa, said: “We’re extremely pleased to see that the section of canal which forms part of the boundary to our Studley Grange landfill site has been transformed, with thanks to the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.”

“The trust has done an excellent job, with help from key sponsors, and it’s fantastic that this section of local canal will be more accessible for people to enjoy as well as helping to encourage local wildlife.”