Damming off and draining the canal at the bridge site involved close co-operation between the Ranger Service, Tiverton & District Angling Club, the Grand Western Horseboat Company and other volunteers. Painting and bridge decking has also been carried out by volunteers.

Even for a pedestrian bridge,
there's a lot of civil engineering needed

The £20,000 cost is being shared between Devon County Council and donated funds in almost equal proportions to date. Donations have been made by the Canal Awareness Group, Tiverton & District Angling Club, Devon’s Masonic organisation, Halberton Parish, all the other Devon Parishes along the line and many individuals.

Almost complete, before
the section is flooded again

It is hoped that more donations can be made by Waterways Charities. This will free up even more funds for other essential enhancement works on the Devon section of the canal, particularly towpath improvements.

The new bridge in position 
across the canal