More funding for heritage projects

THE Canal & River Trust has been awarded more than £1.4 million in funding for seven major heritage projects across the country.

This is the second tranche of funding following more than £1.6 million awarded in the first round last year via the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The following projects will benefit: Locks 13 and 15 on the Ashton Canal in Greater Manchester, Ryders Green Locks 1 and 3 in Sandwell, Wigan Locks 73 and 80 and Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, plus conservation work along the Hertford Union Canal, at Soulbury in Bucks, and at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal in Stockport.

CRT chief executive Richard Parry said: “Faced with the demands of a changing climate and more extreme weather events, the task of looking after these ageing assets is a greater challenge than ever, so that we keep them in good working order.

“These Heritage Stimulus Fund grants will be spent during our annual winter works programme, which is essential to ensure our canals and rivers can continue to provide a valuable resource to the public.”

Trust projects that received grants of over £100k from Round One of the funding included Hunts Lock on the River Weaver, Sawley Locks 1 and 2 on the River Trent, Diglis Lock 1 where the River Severn meets the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Soulbury Three Locks on the Grand Union Canal, and Wigan Flight Lock 71 on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.