Opening up Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

Published: Monday, 21 March 2011

A WAY has been cleared from the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to the Tone to allow through navigation.

Work has just been completed on clearing the Firepool Lock, pictured,  from debris and silt to allow boats passage onto the river for the first time since it became impassible two years ago, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Broad Canal

The 15 miles long broad canal links the rivers Parrett and Tone with seven locks, and was restored in 1994. The passage through Firepool Lock was celebrated by Somerset Navigators Boat Club members making the trip to mark the beginning of the summer boating season.

The work was managed by Somerset Waterways Development Trust, with its Chairman Dave Durdan remarking:

"It's fantastic that people will once again be able to boat through the heart of Taunton."