Inside the Aylesbury Arm canal towpath makeover
Originally completed in 1815, this spur of the Grand Union Canal has witnessed a notable transformation
An £800k investment has brought 'significant improvements' to the Aylesbury Arm towpath.
Originally completed in 1815, this spur of the Grand Union Canal has witnessed a notable transformation in the condition of its towpath. The investment has specifically focused on enhancing the section between locks 15 and 16, resulting in improved conditions for walking, cycling, and wheeling.
The funding for the Aylesbury Arm canal towpath improvements was made possible through a £621,846 grant from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) by Homes England, along with £178,154 from Section 106 developer contributions. These improvements are part of a larger initiative to enhance active travel in Aylesbury and serve as a primary route connecting the town center with the new developments of Kingsbrook and Woodlands.
The enhancements for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users include widening the towpath to 7 feet, resurfacing it, improving accessibility, and installing new signs along the route. The aim of these improvements is to promote active travel, improve the well-being of individuals, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
This new route aligns with the council's vision for the 'Aylesbury-Tring-Wendover Canal Triangle' project and the broader Aylesbury Garden Town initiative.
Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, "The completion of the Aylesbury Arm canal towpath improvements is a significant milestone for the Active Travel Plan for Aylesbury. The new towpath will not only connect the town center to the new developments of Kingsbrook and Woodlands but also enhance the health and well-being of our residents and visitors by promoting active travel."