News
Another slip at Richmond Hill
April 2008
 For the second time part of the 6m high retaining wall through Richmond Hill in Macclesfield, beside bridge 41, has collapsed, closing the towpath once again. A pedestrian and his dog had a very narrow escape when tons of stone walling and the earth behind it slid down onto the towpath just a few feet in front of them.
The towpath has been closed, but the canal remains open for boats. BW have shored up the wall on either side of the slip with heavy stone and concrete buttresses while they plan a full repair. In the meantime several residents are unable to get their cars out onto the highway because their drive has disappeared into the hole. BW have provided them with rented vehicles for the time being.
This slip is on the south side of bridge 41. The earlier slip was in the same wall on the north side of the bridge only 20m away. That incident required a major re-build of the section of the wall together with two stone buttresses to try and ensure there will be no repeat.
Vaudrey's Wharf at risk of being lost!
January 2008
 Vaudrey's Wharf, on the bottom pound by Dane-in-Shaw embankment near Congleton, is at serious risk of being lost to the canal. The wharf is not owned by BW but by Congleton Borough Council. There is a serious leak in the wharf wall and unless a repair can be arranged BW will stank it off and have it drained. A funding package has been labouriously put together but it has failed at the last hurdle because of changing priorities in BW.
We have to find a way of rescuing the package. We missed the time limit of the end of March 2008 but negotiations continue. Please read the page provided for this subject and the accompanying report.
Funding blockade at Macclesfield
3 March 2007
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Our MPs in
support.
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A dozen boats turned out on a cool afternoon to establish a symbolic blockade of the Macclesfield Canal at bridge 37, Buxton Road, in protest at the savage cuts to BWs budget made by DEFRA, the government department responsible for farming and waterways. The event was supported in his usual robust manner by local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton, together with his wife, Lady Ann Winterton, MP for adjacent Congleton.
The event was held in support of the Inland Waterways Association's campaign to convince government of the folly of so drastically cutting BW's budget which had been brought about by the incompetence of DEFRA's administration of EU agricultural payments.
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In the morning the fine steam powered launch, Zara Finn, was drawing attention to the campaign in the square outside Macclesfield town hall. Many signatures were obtained in support of the campaign.
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Fatal fire brings free smoke alarms for boats
February 2007
A fatal narrowboat blaze at Adlington Marina has prompted Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service to extend their domestic smoke alarms project to boats moored on Cheshire waterways. Any Cheshire boat owner can call 0800 389 0053 to arrange an inspection of fire risks for their boat and a new smoke alarm will be fitted. The entire service is free, including the smoke alarm!
Samantha Trafford (22) was killed when fire destroyed the 30ft narrowboat Lindy Lou on which she was sleeping with her partner who was lucky to escape the blaze with only minor injuries.
The free smoke alarm service is also available to all householders throughout Cheshire; just call the same number to arrange a visit from the service.
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