Many hands make light work of canal maintenance

Above: Local MP, David Rutley, joins members of Macclesfield Canal Society to help keep our waterways clean.

Macclesfield Canal Society’s important and much-valued work maintaining local waterways was fully on display recently when members pitched in for one of its regular clean-up sessions.

The helpers joined up at the Nelson Pitt area of the canal in Higher Poynton, where the focus for the day was on repainting and weather-proofing the Braidbar Bridge, which was receiving its second coat. Volunteers were also engaged in weeding and removing moss from brickwork around the canal, which David assisted with. As ever, David was impressed to see the clear dedication and commitment of Society members to protecting and promoting this precious heritage for the continued use and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

Duncan Learmond, Secretary of the Macclesfield Canal Society, Piers Lambert and Steve Sheldon explained that tasks such as these are a regular part of the Society’s calendar, with dedicated teams working regularly at each section of the Canal, including Macclesfield, Bollington and Congleton. Other jobs the Society regularly carries out include: tidying or repair of towpath; pruning canal side vegetation; and re-instating towpath features, such as benches or mooring rings. This work is undertaken in conjunction with partner organisations such as the Canal & River Trust and the Inland Waterways Association, as well as local authorities.

The Macclesfield Canal Society was formed in 1984, and currently has around 130 members, who mostly live in and around the Macclesfield area. The Society is always pleased to welcome new members, and any local residents interested in getting involved with the Society’s work can contact Mr Learmond at: secretary@macclesfieldcanal.org.uk

Maintenance of the Macclesfield Canal is undertaken in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust and the Inland Waterways Association.