Local Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley, spent Saturday morning helping volunteers at the Caldon Canal in Cheddleton working to restore the canal. Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust had organised a work party of over 20 volunteers to continue to repair the canal so it can be enjoyed by walkers and boaters.
The volunteers' tasks included clearing vegetation from the canal banks to keep them clear for boat, repointing an historic bridge and also clearing recently discovered original cobbles on the towpath. These were part of landing stages that connected the canal to local industrial works located on the other side of the River Churnet (now Batemans and F Ball).
Karen said:
"We had a fantastic morning at the canal and it's a pleasure to see the Trust continuing its great work. I was delighted to get involved and got the chance to help repair one of the landmark bridges, which was being repointed using natural lime mortar. The Trust does a fantastic job keeping a great amenity in shape. The UK's canals are unique - they enabled the industrial revolution to happen and they now provide a way to enjoy fascinating parts of the country in a tranquil setting."
Julie Arnold and Alison Smedley from the Trust explained the challenge in keeping the canal in comimission and about the enduring value of canals to the UK. Karen added:
"Juiie and Alison are real experts and I learned a lot from them. They are also wonderful advocates for the Caldon canal in particular. It's another great attraction we have in the Moorlands. I hope others will offer their help and that even more people will enjoy the waterway."
Karen is pictured with Alison and other volunteers.