News & Information from the Chairman

Towpath Guide 3
I have just revised the Towpath Guide. It now has colour photos and maps throughout, and although the format is essentially unchanged there have been updates to virtually every paragraph. Since the last revision in 2013 pubs have closed, firms have changed their names or closed, and much towpath detail has also needed to be updated. So it’s well worth getting a copy at just £5! We have printed only 125 copies as the Guide will need updating again once the repairs to the canal and breach at Creams have been completed.

The Breach
The famous breach, which happened in 1936, will soon be repaired and the adjacent 700 metres of canal will also be restored, giving 3 miles of navigable canal from Hall Lane in Little Lever to Water Street in Radcliffe. That will give us a great impetus to get the canal under Water Street in Radcliffe restored, to give us 5 miles of navigable canal. This is probably the most important thing to have happened to the canal in many years.

Restoration Partnership
This joint steering group includes representatives of the Society, C&RT, the three councils, Watson Homes and United Utilities. We meet regularly to discuss strategic issues such as the Restoration Feasibility Study and the Canal Vision document.

C&RT
We have regular meetings with C&RT discussing workaday issues including weed spraying, working parties, health & safety, dredging and signage.

Paul Hindle
April/May 2024