Work on Norfolk canal

BETTER known for its Broads, Norfolk actually had a canal, that volunteers hope to eventually restore.

The nine miles long  North Walsham & Dilham Canal was constructed to carry coal from Great Yarmouth to Briggate, but was closed in 1934, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Neglected

Volunteers' first task was to clear Briggate Mill Pond that had been neglected since it closed, with trees and shrubs growing out of it. The next task is to clear the rest of the waterway that will include four broad locks, that are in a sorry state of repair.

Work is at present being undertaken on Bacton Wood Lock and clearing the channel of the waterway.

However, their were objections to clearing the mill pond, but with no water, it was pointed out that wildlife needs water, that will bring back reeds and such like that will provide wildlife habitats.