'Lethal' towpath to be locked-off

IN AN attempt to prevents more drownings on the Rochdale Nine in Manchester the 'lethal' towpath is to be completely cordoned off with locked gates preventing any access whatsoever, Mick Fitzgibbons tells us.

The length of towpath that goes under the buildings between Dale Street and Minshull Street, known as the Undercroft, will be closed off from 10pm until 7am, despite protests from rights of way campaigners who believe the towpath should remain open at all times.

Police suggestion

Padlocks will secure gates that are to be installed at either end, with personnel employed at the suggestion of the police to close and open the gates and to make sure no one is on the towpath or hiding. A recessed wall that is used for anti-social behaviour will be bricked-up. The picture shows Minshull Bridge.

There have been five deaths along the Rochdale Nine in the last two years, in addition to those drunks who have fallen in on the lower section of the waterway along Canal Street, though having its own railings, there is still access.

Drug dealing, 'lewd behaviour' and muggings

The police guidance to the council advises that the Undercroft is plagued by high levels of drug dealing, ‘lewd' behaviour and muggings. The installation of CCTV had no effect whatsoever. The picture shows the Undercroft.

As a result of the continuing deaths the council believes the only option is to close off the towpath, with its spokesman Pat Karney explaining:

"It's been a very complicated legal and consultative process but at long last the gates will be going up soon on the canal.

"A lot of the deaths have been people from outside Manchester who, despite the warnings and publicity, have no idea how lethal the area is—that they could get pushed into the canal by ruthless robbers or, if they have had a few drinks, simply slip in.

"Top priority is to stop the deaths. We have tried everything else and this is a huge step forward. Hopefully we won't hear of fatalities being hauled out by the fire brigade."

Still use locks

Boaters using the canal will still be able to open the canal locks when the towpath is shut and the mooring area will be separated off by railings, though surely only the foolhardy would venture there after 10pm!