A LARGE stretch of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal has been adopted by volunteers to help improve the waterway even further.

And last week representatives of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) West Country branch including Steve Manzi, Mark Betson, Bob Abbott, and Ray Alexander, accepted a certificate from the Canal & River Trust’s (CRT) volunteer scheme.

IWA West Country branch has held regular work parties along the canal for more than a year, with volunteers giving over 1,000 hours of their time to help maintain and improve the waterway for all users.

The branch has now taken the steps to adopt three sections of the canal with the aim of increasing efforts to maintain and improve them.

IWA West Country branch volunteer co-ordinator Mike Slade said: “This a great step for the branch, which has really increased its activity on the canal over the last year.

“This has now been formally recognised and we look forward to continuing to help look after this great local asset. Our thanks goes to both the volunteers who have given so much of their time, and CRT staff who have supported our efforts with equipment, materials and training.”

The stretches adopted by the branch are Bridgwater Docks and the stretch to Taunton Road Bridge, the stretch from Old Taunton Road Bridgwater Bridge to Huntworth Bridge, and Bridge 29 near Bathpool to Firepool Lock.

Mark Evans, CRT waterway manager, said: “Volunteers have already made a huge difference to the canal, and we look forward to working with them over the next few years.”

To volunteer contact mike.slade@waterways.org.uk