THE Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne and Shadow Education Secretary, has signed up as a 'Friend' of Canal & River Trust, after a fact-finding visit to the Tame Aqueduct repair project on the Peak Forest Canal.
The grade II listed aqueduct, which carries the Peak Forest Canal over the Tame, is undergoing a £500,000 repair programme by Trust.
Damaged by vandals
The work includes extensive repairs to the three masonry arches and re-pointing of the stonework with traditional lime mortar. The aqueduct parapet, which has been damaged by vandals, is being reconstructed and unwanted vegetation removed.
During the visit Mrs Rayner was shown how heritage restoration techniques are being employed to repair the aqueduct which dates back to 1798. She also enjoyed a short walk to nearby Portland Basin which forms the junction of the Ashton and Peak Forest canals and was welcomed as a ‘Friend' of the Canal & River Trust by fundraiser Denise Richmond, who regularly staffs a welcome point at the basin.
Pleased with her visit
Mrs Rayner enthused:
"I was really pleased to visit the restoration work in my constituency. It was very interesting to see the living history and heritage of the area which shows Tameside as an economic powerhouse and the part it played in the Industrial Revolution. It also gives us a hint at what we can be in terms of boosting Britain's economy in the future.
"I was very pleased to be able to sign up to the Canal & River Trust and urge others to come down, have a look at their local canal and sign up too."