Restoration of the Sankey Canal, Britain’s first industrial canal, received a major boost thanks to the new Sankey Canal Partnership, formally launched at the yesterday’s conference at the World of Glass, St Helens.
The Sankey Canal Restoration Society, the Canal and River Trust, plus St Helens, Warrington and Halton borough councils, have all come together to pledge their support for the regeneration of the 14 mile Sankey Canal corridor.
Chantelle Seaborn, the Canal and River Trust’s NW Waterway Manager , said: “Canals were once the motorways of their day but now two centuries later they are undergoing a wonderful renaissance as peaceful havens for people and wildlife, away from the bustle of modern urban life.”
“The Sankey Canal offers huge potential to drive forward economic prosperity, health and well-being. The long-term aspiration is for full restoration of the route. However this will take time and funding. While we work towards this vision, we will continue to regenerate the canal corridor, to share its heritage and encourage more people to use their local green gym!
“The Partnership will be carrying out surveys and further consultations in preparation for funding bids which would enable the canal’s restoration to be delivered in phases.”
The man-made waterway begins in St Helens and runs through Newton-le-Willows, Winwick, Warrington and ends at Spike Island in Widnes, where it connects into the River Mersey.
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