Hope to restore corn barges

A RESTORATION project hopes to restore two former Ainscoughs corn carrying barges for future generations to enjoy, and keep alive the sights and sounds of the largest craft that plied the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in the past.

Under H and R Ainscough Barge Restoration Project, based in Burscough have ambitions to restore the two boats, Ambush and its butty Viktoria, that were built in the 1930's to carry imported American grain from the docks in Liverpool along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Ainscoughs Mills in Parbold and Burscough.

Working through lock

The picture shows the old H and R Ainscoughs rusty grain barge Viktoria working through Appley Bridge Lock on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal on the 20th June 2014.

Dr Mona Duggan was a well respected teacher; lecturer, local historian and author who lived on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Haskayne and could have seen these boats passing by in the later years of canal carrying.

Donation

Though she has passed away, her family have made a four figure  donation from her estate to aid with the ongoing work to restore the two boats, for which the Chairman of the project Derek Bent, sends grateful thanks to Dr Duggan's son and daughter, Ross and Janet who have administered the estate.

If you would like more information about the restoration project or could help, please contact Derek on 07837428588, Sandra Nolan the projects secretary on 07966439701.