Destination Lacock! Plans progress for Melksham to Lacock path

EXCITING plans for a path connecting Melksham to Lacock for pedestrians and cyclists are moving forward.

The route of the new path will utilise the existing riverside walk through the town, before joining the route of the former Wilts & Berks Canal – which was abandoned more than a century ago – through the countryside to Lacock.

The new path has been described as ‘phase one’ of the ‘Destination Lacock’ project, which aims to restore the canal and towpath between Melksham and Lacock. There are also hopes to create a bridleway along the route, allowing for multi-use.

It is hoped that the project could begin as early as the spring with the team commencing negotiations with land owners on the planned route; and sourcing funding for the project. It is estimated that a ‘reasonable’ timeframe to deliver the towpath is five years.

Leading the project is the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, with the support of Wiltshire Council – and representatives from both parties last week presented plans to the town council’s economic development and planning committee meeting.

Project manager from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, Paul Lenaerts said, “We’re a long way off from getting the canal – although there are some stretches already in existence – but if we can get the footpath and establish the route of the canal, that would be our first step for us in getting that navigation to Lacock and beyond.”

Both the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and Wiltshire Council own land required for the route. Negotiations will take place with three other landowners, including Cooper Tire Europe – the cost of land acquisition is estimated to be £300,000.

The cost for construction  of the path, which would be supported by volunteers from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, is estimated to be £500,000.

At the meeting last week, members of the town council’s economic development and planning committee resolved to support the scheme in principle, recommending to full council that the scheme receive its support.

Cllr Adriene Westbrook said, “This is a really exciting project, and I think that there’s nothing better than the people of Melksham being able to walk to Lacock and vice-versa without actually having to use the road.”