Canal must improve

A CANAL user has called for better maintenance of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through Saddleworth and Mossley amid recent criticisms.

Boat owner David Chamberlain tells readers of Pennine Link magazine — published by the Huddersfield Canal Society — that after millions were spent on its restoration, the canal has been left to deteriorate.

“It is patently obvious to anyone brave enough to accept the challenge of cruising the Huddersfield Narrow Canal that, having spent £30 million on restoring this beautiful waterway, it has then been left to deteriorate,” says Mr Chamberlain.

“There is no such thing as a maintenance plan. Why else would this canal be so devoid of water? And why else would so many locks be so difficult to operate?

“First and foremost I feel the canal should be dredged from end to end, because, if it is left as it is, within a year or two it will be unnavigable.

“Secondly widen the canal top to the extent that two boats can safely pass each other.

“This will involve clearing all weeds and clutter and trimming overhanging tree branches.”

But the canal and recent improvements have been strongly defended by Huddersfield Canal Society official Alwyn Ogborn.

He retorted: “A large part of our canal system has now been rescued and hassle-free cruising is becoming the norm.

“All these canals went through a period of difficulty and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is no exception. It will get better.

“We get very many complimentary reports about cruising the canal. The downbeat perception of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is wide of the mark.

“Improvements are desirable as in all walks of life. What the community has been given is a terrific asset to the Tame and Colne Valley communities which it passes through.”


EARLIER this week, the Rochdale Canal, restored with £22 million of lottery cash, was said to be at risk of closure unless money is found for repairs and maintenance.

Around £500,000 was needed each year to keep the waterway open said consultants Taylor Young, who added that stagnation was the main threat.