Hope for 'missing link'

IT HAS been revealed that the 'missing link' of a derelict section of the Chesterfield Canal could be restored as part of a housing regeneration scheme in Killamarsh, where houses have been built on its original line.

North East Derbyshire District Council has been working alongside the Chesterfield Canal Partnership to look at the possibility of restoring the canal route as part of a scheme to build new council houses in the Killamarsh.

New section

The authority has now agreed to incorporate some land previously outside of the regeneration scheme boundary, to allow for the possibility that a new section of the canal could pass through the new housing development.  (The picture shows a house built on the original line.)

Local people—including the tenants of the ‘Tarran' bungalows which are being rebuilt in the regeneration scheme—have been asked for their views, and support the proposals.

Great boost

Councillor Betty Hill, Member with responsibility for Housing, explained:

"Restoring the missing link in Killamarsh would be a great boost for the town and add a real feature to the community.

"It's still early days but this is a brilliant opportunity and we are working closely with the Chesterfield Canal Partnership, as well as local tenants and residents, to develop these plans."

Collapse of tunnel

The original route of the canal through Killamarsh has gradually become filled in—and in many places built over—since the collapse of the Norwood Tunnel in 1907, which cut off the western end of the canal.  (The picture shows the Western entrance of Norwood Tunnel.)

In 2004 the Chesterfield Canal Partnership commissioned Jacobs-Babtie to undertake a detailed study of possible routes to replace the built upon section. Routes through and around the village were considered. In addition to the original canal line, the survey identified five possible routes—one of which passes through the redevelopment site.

Rejoin sections

It is regarded as the ‘missing link' as a route must pass through, or around, the town to rejoin the east and west sections of the canal.

Rod Auton, of Chesterfield Canal Trust, added:

"We are always being asked by Killamarsh residents when they will see the canal being restored. We are therefore delighted that this progress is being made to create a new canal route through the town."

The plan below shows the proposed new route referred to marked in red. The blue route is still the official route until all parties agree the alternative.