The Inland Waterways Association is actively campaigning to resolve the ongoing issues affecting the Wendover Arm, following significant delays and restrictions imposed on its restoration.
For many years, the Wendover Canal Trust has led extensive work to restore the previously dry section of the Wendover Arm between Little Tring and Drayton Beauchamp.
In full bloom: The Wendover Arm at Drayton Beauchamp. MARK PERCY – CC BY-SA 2.0
This has included major engineering efforts such as installing a fabric liner, rebuilding bridges and removing hazardous infill material, with support from Hertfordshire County Council.
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Restoration was nearing completion, with sections already rewatered and reopening expected around this time. However, progress stalled two years ago when the Canal & River Trust stopped work, citing health, safety and environmental concerns, as previously reported.
Since then, says the IWA, prolonged delays and a lack of timely responses from the CRT have left restored sections drained and deteriorating, with vegetation now visibly growing across completed works.
Although the trust signed a detailed licence agreement in September 2025, permission to resume restoration has still not been granted, the IWA said.
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The association added: “Meanwhile, the CRT has apparently deprioritised repairs to a reported leak, installed a dam, and fenced off the affected stretch, stating that no review will take place before 2027. Additional restrictions have also been introduced, limiting boat access along the arm.”
The IWA continues to express strong concern about the handling of the situation, arguing that years of volunteer effort and public investment risk being wasted.
Amy Tillson, senior campaigner for IWA, said: “This situation is deeply frustrating. Volunteers and supporters have invested years of effort into restoring the Wendover Arm, only to see progress halted and previous work deteriorate.
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“The continued delays, physical barriers, and lack of clear direction could easily undo significant achievements and discourage future restoration efforts. We are urging the CRT to take a more proactive and constructive approach so that the Wendover Arm can be fully restored and reopened.”
The IWA has raised the issue with senior management at the trust and is calling for renewed collaboration, transparency and commitment to the Wendover Arm project.
The association’s evidence-based climate risk map, The Risk Index, shows which waterways face the greatest threats by 2050, including indefinite stoppages. The Wendover Arm has been included in this assessment of threats facing the network.
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Find out more about The Risk Index at: https://waterways.org.uk/campaign-map
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