Tunnels mystery sparks interest in town history

The recent debate over tunnels under Newbury has generated a lot of interest, according to a town councillor

THERE may not be a labyrinth of winding tunnels under Newbury, but it has certainly got people taking an interest in the town's history.

That is the view of town councillor David Allen (Lib Dem, Victoria) as his town hall guide is wrapped up.

Two weeks ago Mr Allen invited opinion on the possibility of underground passages connecting various areas of the town centre, following some photographs he took while under the town hall researching a guide book.

Newburytoday.co.uk was deluged with responses, varying from potentially plausible to frankly fanciful.

“I am very pleased by the reaction that we have had from people, especially those who have lived in Newbury a long time, and those who've told tales from their grandparents,” said Mr Allen.

“It's generated a lot of interest, not just here but across other areas of West Berkshire too. It's always good to get people interested in old buildings and great to engage with people, and at the end of the day, it's a bit of fun too.”

Local historian Garry Poulson said it was great that people were so taken with the story and town, and offered his final thoughts on the matter.

“I have seen the 'tunnel' that runs across Bartholomew Street from St Nicolas [church] towards the Arcade; it was and is a Victorian sewer.

“It would look very interesting to anyone looking in, the sewer would of course run through the Arcade as that was a very industrious place of work.

Mr Allen said he will be compiling a new report which will go on the town council website over the next week.