The trust gets £1.4 million from the government
THE Canal & River Trust is to get £1.4 million from the government to maintain locks.
THE trust has been awarded £1.4 million in funding for seven major heritage projects across the country. This is the second tranche of funding for the Trust, which received over £1.6m in the first round last year.
Heritage Stimulus Fund
The funding, which has been awarded via the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, will help the charity’s vital work to safeguard the nation’s historic canals and rivers, so, the trust maintains, the public can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being by water.
Projects that will benefit from funding: Locks 13 and 15 on the Ashton Canal in Greater Manchester, Ryders Green Locks 1 and 3 in Sandwell, Wigan Locks 73 and 80 and Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, (pictured) plus conservation work along the Hertford Union Canal, at Soulbury in Bucks, and at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal in Stockport.
Corridors for nature
Richard Parry, Chief Executive at the Canal & River Trust, enthused:
“Canals are at the heart of the nation’s industrial heritage, forming the transport network that enabled trade and industry to expand more than 200 years ago. Now they provide valuable health and wellbeing benefits to those who spend time by or on the water, boating, exercising, or simply enjoying the peace of mind that can come from stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They provide corridors for nature in the heart of our towns and cities.
“Faced with the demands of a changing climate and more extreme weather events, the task of looking after these ageing assets is a greater challenge than ever, so that we keep them in good working order. We are delighted that the importance of our work has been recognised once again by Historic England and the Government."
Received grants
The projects that received grants of over £100k from Round One of the funding included Hunts Lock on the Weaver, Sawley Locks 1 and 2 on the Trent, (pictured) Diglis Lock 1 where the Severn meets the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Soulbury Three Locks on the Grand Union Canal and Wigan Flight Lock 71 on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.