'Straight mile' drained

AS PART of the winter works, the 'straight mile' in Burnley has been drained.

This section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has been drained as it is undergoing a comprehensive inspection, Janet Friend reports.

Two dams erected

Two dams have been erected at each end of the section and fish rescue carried out to allow it to be drained so its wash walls and bed can be inspected, particularly for any leaks, with a spokesman for the Canal & River Trust explaining:

“A navigation and towpath closure are required to enable a comprehensive inspection of the canal wash walls and bed. This will involve the installation of two fabric dams, one at Finsley Gate and one at Yorkshire Street aqueduct, followed by a fish rescue and then de-watering."

The work will of course take place during the winter months so to make less impact on cruising boats.(Picture by Steve Haddon.)