Sun shines on Anderton open weekend

MORE than 2000 people took advantage of the sunny weather to go behind the scenes of Anderton Boat Lift at a special free open weekend on February 26-27.

They were given access and insight into the Victorian boat lift’s complex mechanism, including a chance to view work to replace the gate seals on one of the caissons – the giant tanks which transport boats up and down the lift.

A range of activities included Let’s Fish angling taster sessions,

Let’s Paddle canoeing, walking tours, children’s Lego and a chance to get a bird’s eye view from the top of the lift.

The weekend marked the start of a special celebration year for Anderton Boat Lift, which was reopened 20 years ago after a major restoration.

Originally constructed in 1875 to connect the Trent & Mersey Canal with the River Weaver Navigation 50ft below, the boat lift operated for just over 100 years before it was closed in 1983 due to safety concerns caused by extensive corrosion.

News was also revealed of a major refurbishment with work likely to start in the winter of 202324 on the project which could take up to three years to deliver.

Canal & River Trust North West regional director Daniel Greenhalgh explained: “The black iron structure needs repainting, the control system upgrading and the hydraulic ram cylinders, which support the two caissons, potentially need remedial work. The trust is awaiting specialist engineering reports to guide exactly what needs to be done, in the least obtrusive way.

“A comprehensive timetable and schedule of works are currently being prepared, which are also likely to include proposals for updating the visitor centre, new interpretation, re-landscaping, new learning play area, community engagement and a green ‘village’ to replace the temporary marquee, which will house visitor facilities for schools, events, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and crafts.”

The trust is working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund on a major funding bid to potentially cover some of the significant investment needed to preserve the lift as a living, operational structure.

Anderton duty manager Phil Gibson, back centre, with cafe staff.

Anderton repair project manager engineer Fran Littlewood explains the gate seal replacement works and future plans. NW regional director Daniel Greenhalgh, centre, with CRT staff, from left: Paul Reynolds, Steve Bergquist, Rebecca Mason, James Long, Andrea Barrett and Steve O’Sullivan.

PHOTOS: CRT Visitor Karen Wild was delighted to bump into artist Bernice Tackley (right), who created this outdoor wall mural of the lift’s founders 20 years ago.

Canal & River Trust events co-ordinator Sarah Potts with volunteer Paul Fallows at the welcome trailer, complete with Sarah’s own balloon version of the Well-B mascot.