Go-ahead for Derby Canal

DERBY City Council have recommended its planning board give permission for the restoration of the 12 miles of the  Derby & Sandiacre Canal within its borders.

Officers from South Derbyshire District Council and Erewash Borough Council have also recommended permission be given for the restoration  ahead of planning board meetings later this month for the remainder of the waterway.

Major challenge

The only major challenge is going under the railway line at Pride Park, with the rest of the restoration straight forward. Though Shelton Lock (pictured) is now a cycleway.

However, it is estimated that the full restoration will cost in the region of £45 millions, though £5 millions should be forthcoming from developers who want the waterway as part of their housing schemes.

But like many other restorations the Derby & Sandiacre Canal Trust expects to get the bulk of the money from the Heritage Lottery funds, and reduced the overall costs by using volunteer labour.

If and when completed, the completion of the waterway will, like the restoration of the Droitwich Canals, create a new cruising ring.