This section is obstructed at both ends, Walkmill, and possibly Wedge’s Mill, and will require a diverted line. Between these two blockages a brook has been diverted into the line of the canal and the route is inaccessible.
At Wedge’s Mill there has seen some encroachment on the line of the canal by industrial units. The bridge was demolished and the lock infilled in the 1960’s when the road was widened.
There may still be room to squeeze the canal and lock in close to its original route if there’s enough height for the road bridge, otherwise the route could be diverted into the brook a little to the South and a new lock build to replace Wedge’s Mill lock.
The section above is inaccessible. A brook has been diverted into the channel of the canal and now runs straight through the chamber of Jovey’s Lock. The canal and stream could follow the same course provided adequate bywashes were provided, or the stream could be rerouted slightly to the South.
The brook leaves the canal line just before the bottom of the three Bridgtown locks. The bottom lock survives, but immediately above the line has been buried beneath an access road for warehouses and the upper two locks demolished.
This second length is not as secure as the first. The length where the brook follows the line is reasonably well protected but there is danger of further encroachment at Wedge’s Mill. However, this length has more potential for volunteers to be involved in the restoration.
From Bridgtown bottom lock the original line to Churchbridge is lost and a new channel will have to be created. The new line would leave the old just below Bridgtown bottom lock and continue to follow the brook, crossing the line of the old arm to the massive Hawkins Basins.
Immediately after this it will require a new bridge under Walkmill Lane, to the South of the original bridge and at a lower level.