A new wheelchair-friendly picnic area has been created at Saul Junction – with an aim to get more people to relish the delights of canal life.

Volunteers from the Canal and River Trust (CRT) charity have spent eight months building the new area, which has been designed to provide space for up to four wheelchairs at adapted tables. Saul Junction marks the popular mid-point of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

The project was made possible thanks to funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery and two local firms who donated materials:

● The Cullimore Group provided the hardcore and pre-mix concrete that makes up the foundations.

● Highfield Garden World contributed plants that have been set out in an old dinghy, gifted by the CRT.

A CRT spokesperson told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "Volunteers gave 1,335 hours of their time to care for Saul Junction in 2023, with a team of 10 spending two days a week looking after the spot on the Green Flag-accredited waterway.

Malcolm Humphries, lead volunteer for Saul Junction, added: "We want everybody to be able to enjoy the benefits of spending time by the water. Our volunteers have done a fantastic job in building this accessible space which is sure to be a popular spot for visitors throughout the summer.

"We are grateful to the players of People's Postcode Lottery, the Cullimore Group and Highfield Garden World for their support. Without their contributions it would not have been possible to build this accessible space.

"Our volunteers do a wonderful job making Saul Junction a fantastic place to be. They look after mowing, strimming and the upkeep of planters, while picking up litter and maintaining a stretch of the canal from Fretherne Bridge towards Longney."

The new picnic area follows previous support from players of People's Postcode Lottery including the projects at Saul Junction that have included the creation of a wildlife pond to attract great crested newts, hedgerow work and towpath improvements.

A ceremony to officially open the picnic area will take place on next Monday April 8 at 2pm with representatives from Cullimores and Highfields joining volunteers and colleagues from CRT.