Wiltshire Council invents a canal to boost "Future High Street Fund" bid for Trowbridge

Here's a WC press release:

Wiltshire Council has submitted 'expressions of interest' for the government's Future High Street Fund to boost the town centres in Chippenham and Trowbridge.

The Future High Streets fund is a £675m central government hand-out that is open for applications from towns and cities throughout England. The fund recognises the continuing importance of high streets as places where commerce and community meet, and aims to support high streets as they change to meet the needs and expectations of communities now and in the future.

The Trowbridge expression of interest recognises a range of opportunities that could help transform the centre. It focuses on the main aspects of the town's masterplan, ensuring that the key assets of the river, parks, canal (sic - see note) and historic buildings provide a range of quality spaces and environments, along with improving leisure and shopping opportunities.

The bid for funding in the town includes resources to help improve traffic and to encourage walking and cycling by improving access; enhancements to Castle Place and the Town Hall; and an assessment of development potential around Court Street and Castle Street.

If the expressions of interest are successful, the Government will release initial funding to help develop the proposals in more detail. At this stage there will be a consultation with businesses and the community.

Wiltshire Council has also submitted a Future High Streets Fund bid for Salisbury.

Note. There isn't a canal in Trowbridge. Technically a half-kilometre length of half of the Kennet and Avon lies within the town boundary, but that's out at Staverton and a long way from the town centre. However we do have a gullible government, and a canal is an attractive asset, so perhaps WC is expecting the canal to boost the bid, and hoping nobody will notice it doesn't exist.