New lock for the Chesterfield

WORK has begun on the next phase of the development of Staveley Basin on the Chesterfield Canal, with contractors beginning work to build wing walls of a new lock to support its road bridge.

Derbyshire County Council that has supported the restoration is managing the project and paying £89,000 towards the scheme with Chesterfield Canal Trust contributing £76,000 in funds and volunteer time.

Road over canal

Ace Developments from Chesterfield has started an eight week contract to build the wing walls which will support the unfinished lock bridge that is already in place which will carry a road over the canal.

The Staveley Basin project is part of work being completed with the help of volunteers to restore and improve Chesterfield Canal making more of the waterway navigable.

The project has already seen the development of a mooring basin which can house up to 20 narrowboats together with smaller cruisers.

Volunteers

Councillor Joan Dixon, the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport explained:

"This latest work on the Staveley Basin project is part of plans to help develop Chesterfield Canal as well as improve the area for visitors and boats. The work of the volunteers helping us to develop the project has been fantastic and we cannot thank them enough."

Groups who have been involved in helping the project include the Chesterfield Canal Partnership and the Waterway Recovery Group. A group of around 15 volunteers from the partnership meet every Sunday to help build the lock at the basin.