Grand Union Canal – Northampton Arm

By 1968 the survival of the Arm was in doubt.  In consequnce a group of local enthusiasts formed what was to become IWA Northampton Branch.  Rallies were organised to publicise the link created by the Arm between the Fenland waterways and the main canal network culminating in the hugely successful IWA National Rally of 1971 when 650 boats gathered.

During the planning stages of the A43 in the late 1980s it appeared that the proposed road would adversely affect part of the Arm.  IWA entered an objection supported by the then British Waterways and following a Public Enquiry when IWA’s objections were heard, the line of the road was altered to protect the canal.

Today, following IWA Northampton Branch’s adoption of the entire length of the Northampton Arm, and the regular task parties that take place there, the waterway has been transformed with a new 34 panel mosaic trail installed by IWA volunteers and two murals painted on the walls of the M1 motorway bridge.

The mosaic trail was made possible by a legacy from John Faulkner – a long-standing and active supporter of IWA, the hard work of volunteers from IWA’s Northampton Branch led by locals Geoff Wood and Mick Butler, the designs of pupils from local primary schools, Gayton, Briar Hill and Delapre, and the talent of mosaic expert David Bowers.  To get involved and volunteer with the local branch take a look at the opportunities on the branch pages.