Sir Gavin Williamson joined volunteers working on the Stafford Riverway Link project which hopes to renovate the old Stafford Branch Canal.
Sir Gavin met with those who have been working hard to repair the old Stafford Branch Canal, a major restoration project to resurrect the 18th century canal which has been in disrepair since the 1920s. The canal historically linked the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal at Baswich with Stafford town centre, a link which if restored, would extend the canal network in Staffordshire for the benefit of the local tourist industry and the community of narrowboat enthusiasts. Volunteers have uncovered the site of the lockhouse, restored its foundations, and excavated the basin of the canal, supported by funds from Staffordshire County Council and the International Water Association. Most recently the team have started lining the bed of the riverway. Sir Gavin visited the site to view the progress of the project and to support and commend the team of volunteers that have embarked upon this historical restoration project.
Sir Gavin said: “It was wonderful to meet the team at Stafford Riverway Link who have volunteered time, resources and put in hard work to restore such an important part of Staffordshire history. The canal industry is something that I’m always keen to support, as its traditions are part of the local identity, and I’ve enjoyed many narrowboat journeys myself. There’s so much value in restoring Staffordshire’s historic features, and this is a key policy for me, whether that be local hotels, railway stations, or waterways.”
A spokesperson of the Stafford Riverway Link said: “The Project Board were very pleased that Sir Gavin wished to visit the Stafford Riverway Link site and see at first-hand what had been achieved by such dedicated volunteers. Chair Paul Bryan outlined the links we have made with Stafford and Newcastle College, and how we are looking forward to working with some of their apprentices when we begin work on the towpath bridge next year. Volunteer co-ordinator John Potter showed Sir Gavin how much environmental planting has been undertaken."
