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Yiewsley canal bridge (Colham bridge)

making yiewsley and west drayton the best place in london to live and work

The Town Centre Action Group discussed with Hillingdon Borough Council whether it would be possible to "open up" access to the canal, so that the canal once again became a very visible part of our town centre.

The canal could, with a little imagination be a really important role in the heart of where we live and work. New housing developments are rightly capitalising on the concept of "waterside living" - we think we should all be able to share this aspect of the community to the full. We asked the council if they could share this vision and come up with something that is truly iconic for our community.

The Council have come up with what we think is a magnificent plan for us.

colhambridgenew

yiewsley canal bridge

The canal is a really important part of our heritage, and is the reason for the expansion of the area because of the growth of the Yiewsley brickfields. These bricks were shipped to central London via the Grand Union canal and built much of modern London.

More on the history of the canal can be found in the history section of this website (including some fascinating pictures of Otter Dock, which is now a leafy residential area of Yiewsley).

We would like to see improvements to the full stretch of the canal from the Kingston Lane footbridge right through the High Street underpass and on past the new Tesco development right to the Water's Edge pub. It should be attractive, safe, well lit, and used by all. And we'd like to see boat operators do trips through the area - glass of wine on the way to Uxbridge anyone?

Comments

  1. I think this is a great idea. The bridge isnt historic at all - its quite modern and utilitarian, and I agree that opening up the canal and getting some life and vibrancy there is a great idea. If its half as good as the design it will be brilliant. Lets hope some good businesses (riverside restaurants?) will open on the brownfield sites where Bentleys and the office block adjacent once stood - then we really will have a nice environment.

    (Posted on 2012-02-10 10:02:00 by DavidL)

  2. This is a great idea that will help regenerate this badly neglected spot. Opening up the bridge so you can actually see the canal as you walk past, and lighting the bridge is inspired. Now we just need something with character and purpose to be built on either side instead of these derelict sites.

    (Posted on 2012-01-13 13:58:00 by Rob)

  3. Another example of a misleading artists impression. It won't be flat and it won't be straight.

    (Posted on 2012-01-11 07:32:00 by David)

  4. I think its revolting and completely ruins the character of a beautiful bridge that has stood there for a century it should be protected and conserved before it is to late.

    (Posted on 2011-04-16 17:04:00 by Daniel Collins)

  5. What a wonderful idea, I love it. We often walk to the high street along this stretch of the canal and would love it to become safer and cleaner, make sure the bramble bushes stay though as they make a sweet treat on the journey!

    (Posted on 2011-01-24 21:50:00 by Heather)

  6. One Christmas many years ago I had a most enjoyable canal boat holiday (cut short by the boat taking on water and nearly sinking). The memories of the entire, most pleasurable, week long experience has stayed with me. Everyone young and older should have the opportunity to have pleasurable experiences enjoying this part of our national heritage. Open up the bridge and make good use of this stretch. It will get my vote.

    (Posted on 2010-08-19 08:12:00 by Paul Woods)