The Itchen Navigation Canal - Trust Annual Report 1969
While the Civic Trust is at present investigating a study of rivers and canals for recreational purposes, it so happens that Winchester's ancient canal, once a very important communication with Southampton, is now itself threatened by road improvements at Hockley. These are planned for better traffic control than is afforded by the Hockley traffic lights, and involve building a new road over the canal which will certainly alter the appearance of what is now a secluded and peaceful walk.
Members of the Trust may be interested to follow this walk and inspect the remains of the lock near the point where the canal passes under the Hockley cross roads. Another nearby landmark of Victorian communications is also to disappear in due course. The long redbrick viaduct of the old Newbury line, a little further down the valley is scheduled for demolition, though it is understood that one or two arches may be left as a reminder of the engineering skill of the early railway builders.