Did you know that, right beside Skew Bridge in Westleaze, Swindon, sits an aqueduct that is over 200 years old? It is one of those quiet pieces of canal heritage that most people walk past without a second glance.

Looked after by Swindon Borough Council, the aqueduct is a heritage asset to both the canal and to Swindon residents. The council has appointed contractor Griffiths to rebuild the outer facing walls on both sides. The brickwork on the far side is now complete, while the towpath side is being finished in Lias stone, kept in keeping with the original.

Swindon branch chair Chloe Ford said the branch was really pleased the council had helped to renovate the aqueduct, “adding more safeguarding and commitment to the canal in Swindon and beyond,” noting that the canal is seeing major investment along its whole route at present. She added that the environmental, economic and health benefits of a canal and towpath are huge, and that this is a heavily used site by the community.

Griffiths hopes to finish the work in the next few weeks. It is heartening to see a 200-year-old structure carefully looked after so it can serve for many decades more.

This news is shared from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. You can read the original here: wbct.org.uk.