An extensive program of maintenance and repair worth £1.4 million is underway in Cheshire on the Macclesfield Canal this winter, reports the Canal & River Trust.
The project includes massive dredging works that will take place over the next three months.
According to the Canal & River Trust, the project is aimed at deepening the canal between Macclesfield and the canal’s junction with the Trent & Mersey Canal, near Kidsgrove.
The Trust also reported that on the landmark Bosley Lock Flight, they have installed new gates, carried out leak, masonry and pointing work, and repaired damaged sluices, gates and washwalls at locks 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12. Much of this work was completed during the summer when navigation along the canal was restricted due to the drought.
A leaking culvert, near Swettenham Wharf in Macclesfield town center, is being repaired to prevent flooding and the canal bed is being re-lined in clay. Canal wall repairs are also being completed. The canal water levels are expected to be restored to normal in time for the Christmas holidays, added the Trust.
In Higher Poynton, the canal has been drained around the junction with the Burgess Arm to enable repairs to be carried out to the towpath and supporting walls.