High-level support for Sankey Canal
PROBLEMS facing the Sankey Canal, the first canal of the Industrial Revolution, were recognised when, on September 28, Lady Kirsty Pilkington, accompanied by the High Sheriff of Merseyside John Roberts and his wife Mary, visited Spike Island.
The purpose of their visit was to tour the site and see for themselves the popular local facility which is under threat when water supplies could dry up on the closure of Fidlers Ferry Power Station.
The power station has for many years pumped water into the canals and its current management is being as helpful as possible in these difficult circumstances.
Accompanied by Colin Greenall, chairman of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) they were first given a presentation on the history of the canal, its importance in transport history and the current work being undertaken by SCARS and local authorities.
Emphasis was placed on the civil engineering work being planned by Warrington and Halton councils to reconnect one of the original water supplies, the actual Sankey Brook, to the canal. The scheme will eventually feed around seven miles of canal currently in water and the central feature of Sankey Valley Park, a highly important ‘green’ space for the population and wildlife.
Progress on protecting existing structures was also on the agenda, with Warrington Borough Council currently having a bridge at
Bewsey Lock and the former swing bridge at Bewsey Lodge painted. Unfortunately some of the infrastructure on the lock bridge may need more attention.
Mile posts will soon be installed and thus another important feature of the canal restored. Towpath improvements are to take place in St Helens when de-silting work on the Rainford Brook by the Environment Agency has been completed .
Mr Greenall said: “It is very reassuring that local authorities and statutory bodies both recognise the threat to this important local facility and have committed scarce resources to protecting and further improving the canal and its ‘green’ corridor for local people and wildlife.”
Jim Forkin, chairman of the IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, said: “It is encouraging to see the effort going in to save and develop this important canal. Enjoyed by thousands of local people for exercise and leisure, the Sankey Canal project clearly demonstrates that our waterways are very much a part of the well-being of the country even before the navigation is fully restored.”