Chesterfield Canal Trust calls for public support

2016 was a big year for the Chesterfield Canal Trust with over £85,000 spent on the restoration of the canal; however, it looks like 2017 will be even more of a defining year for the Trust.

To maintain the level of progress made last year, the Canal Trust are running a restoration appeal entitled ‘A Place in History’. Donations will go towards covering the costs of plant and materials that will allow the volunteer Work Party to complete 400 metres of brand new canal east of Staveley Town Lock, including a spill weir.

The Trust has a history of successful restoration appeals; its ‘Donate a brick for Staveley Town Lock’ appeal raised over £45,000. The Trust hopes that support from locals, businesses and community groups will help them to complete restoration work this year.

Alongside launching a restoration appeal to raise money towards the further restoration of the canal, the trust will also be involved in the HS2 consultation process and will see construction work begin on the development of the terminal basin at Chesterfield Waterside.

Big decisions surrounding the future or the Canal will also be made this year with the HS2 consultation set to close on 9 March. There are two proposed routes in place: the first- proposed in 2013 – would cross the canal three times and the second – government preferred route proposed last year – will cross just once. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is asking for as many people as possible to respond to the consultation to support the second option which does less damage to the Chesterfield Canal’s restoration route than the original proposal.

There are two public consultation events taking place in February for the general public to have their say on the proposed routes – these will take place in Staveley on 3 February and Bolsover on 4 February. For more information or to have your say online click here.