Historic Yorkshire waterways to get £10m winter makeover

£10m investment in canals and waterways in Yorkshire

As part of the programme, which will continue until March, the Trust’s expert teams will be replacing lock gates, dredging sections of canal and carrying out a host of tasks to keep the 200-year old network working.

The work will also include flood resilience measures, in addition to repairs being carried out on the Figure of Three Lock on the Calder & Hebble near Dewsbury, and Rochdale Canal towpath, both of which were badly damaged in February’s storms.

Due to Covid restrictions, the Trust is unable to offer its usual Open Days for visitors to get a behind-the-scenes on-site view of the canal repairs and conservation work in progress.

However, the Trust has produced a Virtual Open Day of work being carried out at Lock 42 on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Marsden.

There will be a replacement of a sluice door and re-lining of the bywash culvert next to Salterhebble Aqueduct on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

Repairs will also take place to the lock chamber and wash wall to prevent leakage and structural deterioration at locks 6 and 7 at Elland on the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

Jon Horsfall, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, said: “This winter’s works are obviously important for boaters, however, with research telling us that time spent by the water can help us all to feel happier and more relaxed, the works will also contribute to improving people’s mental and physical well-being when using the towpath too.

“Our waterways have offered a really important lifeline for so many people this year, providing the perfect spots for local recreation, exercise or just to unwind. That’s why it’s so important that we keep them open and safe for everyone to use, whether you’re out on your boat or enjoying a waterside stroll.

“By carrying out these works we will be protecting our historic waterways for future generations and ensuring that they can make a real difference to people’s lives today.”

This winter the Trust is investing more than £45 million on waterways across England and Wales.