Wiltshire Council launches survey to shape canal boater support

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

Wiltshire Council has launched a survey to gather feedback from canal boaters on future support and services.

Wiltshire Council has launched the Wiltshire Boater Survey 2026 to gather feedback from those living on the water. The responses are set to influence future projects and resources along the county's waterways. The council's public health team will walk stretches of the canal to encourage participation and hear directly from boaters.

More than 200 people took part in a previous survey in 2023. That exercise led to targeted support including boat repair assistance, fuel and energy schemes, canal-side dental clinics, and dedicated wellbeing programmes.

Kate Blackburn, director of public health at Wiltshire Council, said the earlier survey 'provided valuable insight into the realities of life on the canal' and 'reinforced the importance of the boating community being listened to and involved in decisions that affect their unique way of life'.

Paper copies of the survey are available at canal-side locations including Caen Hill marina, the Hub in Bradford on Avon, and the Barge Inn at Honeystreet. Completed surveys can be returned anonymously via drop boxes at these sites.

The survey will remain open until Friday, October 30, at 11.59pm.

Wiltshire Council launches survey to shape canal boater support — Image: Swindon Advertiser

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

Wiltshire canal boaters invited to shape future support in new surveyA new survey will give canal boaters in Wiltshire the chance to shape future support and services along the county’s waterwaysSwindon Advertiser · 7 Oct, 05:00
Wiltshire canal boaters invited to shape future support in new surveyA new survey will give canal boaters in Wiltshire the chance to shape future support and services along the county’s waterwaysThis Is Wiltshire · 7 Oct, 05:00
Wiltshire canal boaters invited to shape future support in new surveyA new survey will give canal boaters in Wiltshire the chance to shape future support and services along the county’s waterwaysGazette & Herald · 7 Oct, 05:00
Wiltshire canal boaters invited to shape future support in new surveyA new survey will give canal boaters in Wiltshire the chance to shape future support and services along the county’s waterwaysWiltshire Times · 7 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire Council · Kate Blackburn · Wiltshire · Bradford on Avon · Honeystreet

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem