Covid crisis leads to funding award for Wey and Arun Canal Trust

A National Lottery grant has been awarded to the Wey and Arun Canal Trust to help it fund losses following the Covid crisis.
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The £13,100 funding will be used to repair leaks in sections of canal bed at Long Meadow, Drungewick, along with paying for equipment needed to make both the Loxwood Canal Centre and boat trips at the Loxwood wharf Covid-safe.

The funding has been awarded through The National Lottery’s Heritage Emergency Fund.

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Fund chief executive Ros Kerslake said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing.

Boat trips on the Wey and Arun CanalBoat trips on the Wey and Arun Canal
Boat trips on the Wey and Arun Canal

“All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as the Wey and Arun Canal Trust during this uncertain time.”

Trust chairman Sally Schupke added: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players we can now push on with completing the repairs at Long Meadow.

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“We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.

“The investment in PPE and safety screens has also meant passengers and crew can be confident they are safe when enjoying one of our boat trips this autumn.”

The canal at Long Meadow was drained late last year and a local specialist environmental consultancy was employed to move thousands of fish living there to other parts of the canal.

Since then investigations have been underway to locate the leaks - found to be in four separate sections - and quotes are being sought for relining.

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The project has also involved desilting the canal and resurfacing 600m of towpath, along with erecting 650 metres of fencing.

At Loxwood, investment has been made in a Perspex protective screen installed at the cash desk, along with PPE and cleaning materials needed to protect visitors, passengers and volunteers.

Boat trips will run on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout September and October.