The Peterborough Arms is a Grade II listed building at Dauntsey Lock, Chippenham, owned by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. In 2020, the pub won a CAMRA award for the best public house refurbishment - a tremendous achievement by volunteers.

The Trust is now faced with a major issue that will affect the pub’s viability as a profitable business. The current wet weather has worsened the long-standing problem of water run-off from the B4069, resulting in flooding to the front and side of the building.

Clearing the road’s drain gullies by the local council did not help and any further measures by the council are unlikely to happen soon. If the flooding goes unresolved, it may result in a difficult financial situation and potentially leave us without tenants.

To protect the pub’s future, the Trust wants to install a permanent and robust drainage system that would work regardless of road drainage. However, with the cost beyond our means, we are making an appeal to raise £18,000 so that the project can be undertaken in the coming weeks.

The Trust would really appreciate your donations. If you would like to kindly donate, please see the link below. Thank you for your support.

We look forward an open pub serving lots of great beer and food. Join us for a future pint!

www.wbct.org.uk/get-involved/donate

By Mike Gibbin, CEO of WBCT