I disagree with Dr Graham’s assertion last week that the proposed work on the canal towpath will have a “severely negative” impact and wanted to correct some of the points he has made.

First, we not only used our conservation resources when considering this work but we also actively used the one organisation that has the Kennet and Avon Canal at the centre of its world, the Canal and River Trust. This is the charity entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales and they will carry out all of the work, to their exacting standards and in line with all of their conservation rules for the canal. Although the towpath surface will look very similar to the current one, it will be bound and resist potholing and damage. Furthermore it will slope slightly allowing it to drain into the canal.

The towpath in its current state can only be used by able pedestrians and the occasional recreational cyclist. If you walk along there at any time other than summer you are likely to have to step over large puddles, or simply get wet.

The work will open the towpath to all users: people with children in buggies, wheelchair users, mobility scooters and of course cyclists and pedestrians. One of Devizes’ town councillors herself commented recently that she now struggled to use the towpath as she was not as able as she used to be. The new surface and the improved entrance will make this possible for all. When I visit other canal towns I see thoroughfares used by many different people, not a hole-ridden surface in terminal decline.

By Wiltshire Council investing in Devizes towpath at this time, we have attracted more than £60,000 of additional investment that otherwise would have gone elsewhere. I too am a keen cyclist, but I do understand that many people are not as confident as I am on busy congested roads and think that from a family point of view, on bikes or off, the towpath makes a great thoroughfare through Devizes. Use it and enjoy it, especially when we have the new towpath.

Philip Whitehead, Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for highway.