Vote for two canal schemes today

Voting takes place today, 29th June, for The People’s Millions from 9am to midnight. Stroud Canals Connections, a project creating canal footpaths and more, is wanting our votes - TO VOTE PHONE 0871 62 68 128. Calls are 11p from a landline and you can vote 10 times! Meanwhile see below for details of the hydro scheme that needs support.

Update: We were runner up but still got the money - so thanks to all who voted!

The Connections project has requested funding of £55,900 to create a canal side footpath connecting the town and the surrounding national and regional paths. The route will be signposted by traditional mile markers and podcast recordings made by the community that capture the spirit of the district through stories about its past and their vision for its future. Great stuff! Good luck to this project. More information can be found and messages of support left on the project page http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/2011-finalists/west/stroud-canals-connections

Hydro project needs support

The Cotswolds Canal Trust wants your help. See details here: http://www.energyshare.com/dudbridge-locks-hydro/

This project is apparently separate from any proposed schemes at Ebley Mill or Kimmins Mill - both of which are also on the River Frome - this scheme aims to use flow in the canal. The Trust want a grant and then when built it will take 'Fits' to provide income for canal maintenance. It is important to recognise this is not the best site for a hydro scheme but it would be able to demonstrate possibilities for hydro in the Five Valleys. There is considerable potential for more use of small scale hydro and it is frustrating that not more projects are moving ahead.