Leek IWA Press Release
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IWA ANNOUNCES GRANT TO EXTEND THE CALDON CANAL
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has awarded a grant of £21,098 from the Christine Vernon legacy towards the cost of stone for lock chamber repairs, and coping stones on the north, west and south basin walls, and the installation of mooring jetties for visiting boats, at Froghall Basin, in Staffordshire.
This grant enables the completion of work to restore the first lock on the Uttoxeter Canal, and the excavation and re-opening of the large mooring basin just below the lock. The project, known as 'Destination Froghall' has been made possible by a combination of funding assembled by British Waterways, financial support from IWA and Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust and voluntary support from Waterway Recovery Group and the Trust.
A Waterway Recovery Group Canal Camp took place over Easter to complete a range of tasks around the basin. Stonemasons have completed the repairs to the lock walls, and are installing the new coping stones on the top of the reconstructed west wall of the basin. The next stage is for the basin to be filled for a stilling test, after which British Waterways will continue with fitting the lock gates and paddle gear and installing pontoons.
Vaughan Welch, chairman of IWA's Restoration Committee said "The area around Froghall Basin in north Staffordshire has always been a popular destination for those seeking beautiful scenery and a waterside location in their leisure time. IWA is pleased to offer its support towards the restoration work, which will provide greater opportunities for boaters and visitors to extend their journeys and time spent on this delightful waterway."
Julie Arnold, of the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust said "The restoration of the first section of the Uttoxeter Canal is an important step in the Trust's aim to put the Staffordshire Moorlands' canals and the market towns of Leek and Uttoxeter on the map as waterway visitor destinations. Increased visitor numbers and boats will bring life into the area and provide a much welcomed boost to local businesses."
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