Leek stands to gain benefits from reconnecting with its canal

The Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust is pleased to announce that a copy of its Study "to investigate the potential to restore, extend and develop the canal in Leek" will be placed in Leek Library to allow everybody full access to the Study and its finding, which includes "demonstrating the value of benefits" from reconnecting the town with its canal.

The Trust has already circulated copies to the County Council and District Council regeneration teams and Councillors and shared the findings of their study with the Churnet Valley Railway who acknowledge and fully support the proposals and obvious linkages between the railway and the canal. The two already go hand-in-hand through much of the Churnet Valley and are working in partnership elsewhere along their routes.

Secretary Julie Arnold explained the Trust's long enthusiasm for the seeing the canal as a catalyst for regeneration in South Leek. "When there were attempts to abandon the Caldon Canal completely in the 1960's enthusiasts formed the Caldon Canal Society and began the restoration works that reopened the canal in 1974 and transformed it into a valuable local amenity, attracting thousands of vistors to the area. Then volunteers were instrumental in bringing about a partnership agreement between Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and British Waterways Board. In the last few years similar strong partnership working has brought about the restoration of the first lock and basin of the Uttoxeter canal at Froghall.

"The Trust has long had a vision for south Leek that includes restoring the link between the town and its canal, through recreating a canal basin which is at the heart of a visitor honeypot. A new canal wharf and a restored railway line being the hub around which new business activities and critical local facilities can grow. In turn they will act as both a gateway to our market town, and an anchor and focus for sustained regeneration and many local community activities. The Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust's Study to investigate the potential to restore, extend and develop the canal in Leek is just one step on the way to this vision - we now need to continue our campaign to ensure it becomes a key part of the Local Development Framework and create partnerships to work towards what the residents of Leek have said they too wish for the town's canal."

The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust welcome your feedback, comments and ideas about improving and developing the Leek terminus of the Caldon Canal, and renewing the connection between the town and its canal. Please write or email your views to the Trust.

Pictures:
Upper: Leek End Week End Canal Festival 2004 - visitors relax by the canal and along the footpath from Rudyard Lake as boats gather to promote the proposals to recreate a basin and restore the connection between the market town and its canal. (Photo: Harry Arnold)

Lower: Some of the 57 boats that crowded into the end of the Leek Arm of the Caldon Canal to celebrate the bicentenary of the opening of the canal to Leek - and to promote the proposals to recreate a basin and restore the connection between the market town and its canal. (Photo: Harry Arnold)