An online campaign asked the Canal and River Trust to make the Engine man’s Cottage part of the Claverton Pumping Station museum rather than sell it. After a meeting the Canal and River Trust, Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, and Claverton Pumping Station Volunteers released the following statement:

Mark Evans, waterway manager for the Kennet & Avon Canal, and Stuart Mills, Chief Investment Officer for CRT, recently met with volunteers from the Claverton Pumping Station to discuss the Canal & River Trust’s decision to sell off the engine man’s cottage and to discuss improvements which could be made to the pumping station to enhance facilities for all who use and enjoy the site.

As the result of the meeting both parties have agreed that selling the cottage is the best option if other improvements to the site can be progressed and funded by the Trust.

The Canal & River Trust recognise the commitment and dedication the volunteers have made in helping to restore the Pumping Station and, in order the improve access for visitors, we have agreed to take forward the development of a car park area, subject to planning permission and detailed design, on the land that was donated to the pumping station for this purpose.

Mark Evans, said: “I would like to thank the volunteers at Claverton for the fantastic work they do and have done in helping to restore and care for the pumping station. Every one of the volunteers are really enthusiastic and they should be proud of what they have achieved.

“I’m glad weve managed to resolve our differences around the sale of the engineman’s cottage and have come up with a solution that we are all happy with. The last thing we want is to fall out with anyone over this sale so I’m pleased that we’ve agreed a way forward to improve the visitor experience to the pumping station.”