PIECE OF STOKE CANAL JIGSAW IS SLOTTED INTO PLACE

[Sam]

LATEST PIECE OF STOKE CANAL JIGSAW IS SLOTTED INTO PLACE

 

The transformation of Stoke-on-Trent’s waterways into an urban green corridor has taken a step closer with the completion of visitor moorings between Westport Lake and Longport Wharf.

 

British Waterways and its contractor, DCT Civil Engineering Ltd are applying the final touches to the newest stretch of towpath improvement to the Trent & Mersey Canal between Westport Lake and Longport Wharf.

 

In addition to providing 100 linear metres of visitor moorings, the towpath has been upgraded from dirt track to all weather surface, linking up to works completed last year at Westport Lake to the north.

 

The moorings feature of the project comprises new piled wash wall and canal edge with paved area and mooring rings adjacent to Canal Street, affording boaters easier access to facilities like shops and pubs

 

The work is part of the £5.5m North Staffordshire Canals and Connecting Routeways project, funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), British Waterways, Advantage West Midlands and SRB6. Seventeen kilometres of towpath will be upgraded for the benefit of communities and the growing number of visitors to The Potteries.

 

This £200,000 phase of the project was completed in just three months, improving access to approximately 400 metres of towpath.

 

Project Engineer Darren Green said a key feature of the project was its high level of community involvement.

 

“With such a big project, it’s perhaps easy to overlook the involvement of community organisations that breathes life into these schemes. Kidsgrove and Congleton District Sea Cadets in Longport have given outstanding support,” said Mr Green.

 

“The Sea Cadets offered their grounds as a site compound and this enabled us to complete the job more quickly, while Stoke-on-Trent City Council has ensured the works were given a high priority in time for the waterway season. These improvements will open up the canal corridor for everyone from visitors to local communities,” said Mr Green.

 

 

end

 

FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION CONTACT: John Clayton, British Waterways Wales & Border Counties Media Unit on 01606 723866.