The canal's primary use was to connect the inland waterways network with the Duke's salt works, as well as for the coal trade with Warwickshire (via the Oxford Canal and Duke's Cut). Trade with the west was achieved via the broad Thames and Severn Canal[1] —fierce competition between the Thames and Severn Canal Company (who had taken over ownership of the cut) and the Oxford Canal Company (who owned the Wharf Stream in Eynsham) meant that barges were not permitted to unload at Eynsham Wharf.[2] The Oxford Canal Company reacted by taking over the lease of the canal in 1834 to quash competition of coal travelling to the area from the Somerset Coalfield on a route that used the Somerset Coal, Kennet and Avon, Wilts and Berks and Thames and Severn Canals.[2] At this time, Cassington Wharf was taking approximately £800 per year (equivalent to £97,121 in 2023).[2]