On Monday 4th April 2022 Volunteers at The Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) took receipt of the tenth work boat to join the restoration project’s fleet.
The money has been fundraised by CCT on behalf of the Canal project and will be operated by Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC).
Once restored (by skilled volunteers) it becomes a very useful asset and perfect for joining the nine other works boats currently owned by Cotswold Canals Trust and its partner SVCC.
This barge, at 10 feet wide is both stable enough to act as a safe crane platform and will pass through all locks on the canals from the Severn through to the river Thames. It needs a bit of love and attention, CCT is well known for making good use of recycled materials, refurbishing industrial plant and bringing new life to the machinery needed to restore the Cotswold Canals.
This new barge requires full renovation and will be sited during this work at the Old Merchants Yard (Newland Homes development site), Cheapside, Stroud.
Alan Jones, CCT Trustee and Team Leader said “ We are really grateful for the support of Newland Homes for allowing us access to their site. It means we can make use of this once busy canal side wharf for modern day restoration.
Renovation will take around four months with new barge corner support legs and two new hydraulic cranes to be fitted and various engine/tool stores and welfare unit cabin modifications carried out. The barge will then be lifted into the Stroudwater Navigation Canal to help with the planned restoration and maintenance works.”
Planning permission to renovate this barge at this location has been applied for and we are very grateful to Stroud District Council for considering our application.
Once permission is received works can commence, to understand more about the planning application S.22/0702/FUL Full details will appear on SDC website soon.
