Narrow boats to cruise Cromford Canal again

Horse Power - The Friends of Cromford Canal use a shire horse to pull a narrow boat from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction.

Work to dredge a 1.3 mile section of the canal from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse will start on Monday, March 4.

Material such as decomposing plants and soil particles which get washed into the canal will be removed to make the water deeper, allowing a boat to complete the full stretch.

Deputy leader for Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Simon Spencer, said the project would bring “great benefits”.

Ebsford Environmental, of Leeds, has been appointed to carry out the work – which is county council funded – and will be using specialised machines to draw the silt out.

Work is expected to be completed in June and The Friends of Cromford Canal will start running boat trips soon after.

There are also plans to cut back trees along the canal to reduce the level of shading – which is harmful to the wildlife and vegetation.

Patrick Morriss, Chairman of The Friends of Cromford Canal said: “Hopefully we will introduce a new generation to the delights of water transport.”