Marple Flight should become a world heritage site tells MP

THERE has been a call by Lisa Smart MP, for Marple Flight on the Peak Forest Canal to be Grade II-listed.

This was during a debate on funding for Canal & River Trust in parliament, Janet Friend reports.

Ongoing strain

"This lock flight is an extraordinary testament to our industrial and engineering heritage, representing a pivotal era in Britain's industrial past.

"Such recognition would not only attract global interest and be a boost for global tourism, but ensure the locks are protected and celebrated for generations to come."

She also raised concerns about financial pressures on the trust stating the 'ongoing strain on the trust is heart-breaking'.

Drain nearly £300m

Lisa Smart also pointed out that funding changes made by the previous government will see cuts of 5% a year for 10 years which will drain nearly £300m from the trust, adding:

“These reductions will undoubtedly undermine the trust’s ability to maintain the canal network making closures of these treasured public spaces I fear sadly inevitable unless something changes.”