Water lovers celebrate the re-opening of the Chesterfield Canal
14 May 2008
Boats, canoes and water babies took to the water during a special boating weekend at Chesterfield Canal.
The event was to celebrate the official re-opening of the canal and took place at Tapton Lock.
In January 2007 the canal burst and thousands of gallons of water were lost. The loss of water lowered the canal levels and a stretch of the canal had to close to boaters.
After 15 months of hard work by Derbyshire County Council and the Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers the canal re-opened for business.
Over 50 boats and canoes turned out to celebrate the re-opening of the canal and more than 90 people enjoyed a leisurely cruise on the canal in Chesterfield Canal Trust’s charity canal barge the John Varley.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for the environment Brian Lucas said: “The celebration weekend was a great success and thanks have to go to all the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make it a marvellous day.
“Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield canal trust members have been working hard to repair and improve the site of the canal breach.
“Repairs have been made to Wheeldon Mill lock at Newbridge Lane. This means we have now been able to reopen the whole five-mile navigation section from Chesterfield to Staveley.
“We are encouraging everyone to visit the canal and enjoy a relaxing cruise through some marvellous scenery.
“You can pass through canal locks built in 1777, look out for rare water voles and enjoy the first spring flowers.”
