Kaykers and paddleboarders joined historic narrow boats and a replica Dutch tug boat. The flotilla made their way to the current limit of navigation, the first powered boats to make the journey for some time, battling siltation and vegetation.
It follows years of delays after a section of the Arm that was re-opened in 2005 has been closed while a leakage is investigated. Despite decades of volunteer effort, public investment and substantial restoration work already completed, this section of the canal remains closed, fenced off and increasingly neglected. Blocked access to the turning point also means very few boats can travel along the section that remains open.
John Stirling, Secretary of Dunstable & District Boat Club, said:
“Our boat club was very happy to support this. We have long said that this stretch should be re-opened. There is clear appetite for it and Saturday proved it with the number of boats, other craft and people on foot who came to send a strong message that this delay has gone on too long, and it should be re-opened.”
According to IWA, the issue goes beyond navigation. The Wendover Arm is a significant environmental asset. Fed by rare chalk streams, it supports a rich aquatic habitat that would be almost impossible to recreate today. It also performs a vital engineering function, supplying water to the Grand Union Canal at the Tring Summit and helping keep locks operational.
Dave Chapman, Chairman, of IWA Chiltern Branch, said:
“The Wendover Arm represents all that is great about our inland waterways. It is an important navigation, a remarkable chalk stream environment, a public green space. and a vital part of the Grand Union Canal’s water supply.
“Thousands of volunteer hours and significant public investment have brought the restoration close to completion. It would be unacceptable to allow all that work to deteriorate because leakage remains unresolved, and as we can see from the strength of public support, it needs to be re-opened.
“The Canal & River Trust has both the responsibility and the opportunity to put this right. We are calling on CRT to carry out the necessary repairs and reopen the canal as quickly as possible.”
The Wendover Arm was built in 1799 and ran for almost seven miles from Wendover through Weston Turville, Halton, Aston Clinton, Buckland Wharf, Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring before joining the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne Junction.
IWA argues that the cost of resolving the current issues is modest compared with the long-term value of restoring the navigation and protecting an irreplaceable public asset.
The charity also points to the wider public benefits of reopening the canal. As well as supporting boating and tourism, waterways encourage walking, cycling, volunteering, education and improved physical and mental wellbeing. The Wendover Arm was built primarily to supply water to the summit level of the Grand Junction Canal. A fully restored canal would enable it to continue this vital purpose more effectively.
“The Government rightly invests in health and education,” added Dave Chapman. “Reopening the Wendover Arm contributes to both by creating opportunities for recreation, learning and access to nature.”
The day demonstrated the continuing demand for navigation on the Wendover Arm. IWA says the turnout proves there is a clear and strong appetite to see the waterway fully restored, as evidenced by the number of local walkers on the tow path who stopped the flotilla to share their stories and say the section should be re-opened.
The campaign builds on IWA’s long-standing commitment to the Wendover Arm. The Association led the campaign that culminated in the reopening of the first restored section on Easter Monday, 28 March 2005, when Sir David Suchet, well known actor and waterways enthusiast officially opened Phase One.
Sir David Suchet, Vice President of IWA, said of Saturday:
“I remember having the privilege of being guest of honour in 2005 when the restored stretch was opened. It is deeply disappointing to see the current condition. IWA played a huge role advocating for this lovely section of waterway, and it is good to see robust campaigning continuing so that the Wendover Arm can be re-opened.”
More than twenty years later, IWA is once again calling on the Canal & River Trust to work with partners to complete the restoration and return the Wendover Arm to the public.
