Massive support for the Chesterfield

IN A draft proposal, Derbyshire County Council has outlined massive support for the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal, coming as a great boost for the Chesterfield Canal Trust after the HS2 problems.

The council owns the navigation in Derbyshire and is its navigation authority, and has published a draft Derbyshire Waterways Strategy that gives good news for the future restoration of the waterway, including connecting the new basin at Chesterfield with the in-water section towards Tapton Lock. (Pictured.)

Purchase or lease

It proposes to either purchase or lease the land needed for the restoration, and more particularly to restore a mile long section through Renishaw that has caused such problems with the original line now a housing estate.

The council will then extend the canal from Renishaw towards the M1 motorway, that eventually will see it connected to the existing Western section at Kiveton that joins the Trent.

Staveley Basin

Amongst other plans it will seek development around Staveley Basin (pictured) to promote the waterway and further restoration.  Derbyshire County Council will also support Chesterfield Borough Council with its development of the massive Chesterfield Waterside that has been at a standstill since it was announced in 2009.