A LANDMARK in Melksham town centre could be a thing of the past if multi-million pound plans to route a canal through the town centre come to fruition.

Waterway enthusiasts claim a project to restore the Wilts and Berks Canal, and route it through the centre of Melksham alongside the river Avon, is entering an "important phase".

This part of the project is estimated to cost £18m alone and would mean the existing weir a few hundred yards from the town bridge would be removed.

In its place would be a new weir south of the bypass bridge, where the river level would be raised to allow enough depth for navigation.

Volunteers with the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust believe the canal would generate as much as £5m in revenue every year.

Under the scheme unsightly riverside walls and banks would be partially covered and moorings would be provided and linked to the town through paths and cycleways.

The original route of the 52-mile canal, which was abandoned after an Act of Parliament in 1914, has been lost.

Enthusiasts believe the best route for the canal would be through Melksham town centre and Forest, connecting the Kennet & Avon Canal in Semington to the former route near Lacock.

About £100,000 worth of research has been carried out so far on the project, which has received the backing of British Waterways.

Funding for the entire project would be sought from sources including the National Lottery.

The canal trust is hosting an exhibition in Melksham library from Monday to July 14 for people to have a look at and comment on the latest proposals.

Information leaflets and comment slips will also be available from the town hall and tourist information centres, as well as at the West Wilts Show.

Colin Fletcher, of the trust, said: "This could be a once-in-a-generation chance for the people of Melksham to give a new lease of life to their town.

"To complete this grand scheme in Melksham will require great vision, political courage and extraordinary effort."