A landmark of the Cotswold Canals restoration is in the running for a regional engineering honour — and the Cotswold Canals Trust is asking for your vote.

The Trust, together with its partners Cotswold Canals Connected and Stroud District Council, is celebrating the Bonds Mill Lift Bridge being named a finalist in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West People’s Choice Award. It’s one of just 12 schemes chosen from across the South West, recognising civil engineering that has made a real difference to local communities through innovation, sustainability, collaboration and positive impact.

The new lift bridge is a major milestone in the restoration, reconnecting the waterway while carefully balancing engineering, heritage and the environment. Throughout construction, access to the Bonds Mill Estate and the canal towpath stayed open, the canal was kept in water to protect wildlife, and historic features such as the canal-side pillbox were preserved — a real credit to everyone involved.

Voting is open until 5pm on Friday 28 August 2026 via the ICE website. You’ll find the voting link and full details on the Cotswold Canals Trust’s Facebook page — do lend your support to this fantastic local project and the hard work behind bringing the canals back to life.