A NEW bridge over the Chesterfield Canal is the first success of a multi-million-pound restoration scheme in Derbyshire.
The bridge is the first phase of a £6 million restoration scheme managed by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. Most of the money will come from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund, covering nine projects in all.
The 38m-long bridge on the Trans Pennine Trail in Staveley was formally opened by primary schoolchildren, a horse and rider and cyclists to represent the variety of users which will use the new structure.
A new lock, new bridge, a pumping system, about 400m of restored canal, lots of landscaping and planting works and 3km of upgraded towpath to the borough boundary are to follow. Hundreds of thousands of tons of clay will also be placed on the line of the historic Staveley Puddlebank ready for full restoration in the future.
Coun Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for infrastructure and environment, said: “We’re committed to promoting safe and sustainable ways to travel, be they for work or leisure, and this is a very welcome development after a lot of hard work and collaboration. Thanks are due especially to the staff and volunteers at the Chesterfield Canal Trust.
“The new bridge helps improve the Trans Pennine Trail which reflects our support for increasing and improving walking, cycling and horse-riding opportunities across the county.”
Peter Hardy, chairman of the Chesterfield Canal Trust, which is managing the restoration, thanked all those who had helped with the project.
Coun Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The Staveley Town Deal has four strands – Innovation and Enterprise, Inclusive Growth, Place, and Health and Wellbeing – and this project is close to my heart, sitting very firmly in the last category. Walking and access to the countryside have proven benefits for both physical and mental health, and this project will encourage people to explore the area much more. It will be wonderful for the people of Staveley and the wider community. Many partners have come together to make this happen and I am very grateful for all their hard work.”
The Chesterfield Canal Trust is a charitable company run by volunteers. It received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017. It is currently managing the restoration of the canal at Staveley as part of the Staveley Town Deal.
The trust runs four trip boats and a work party. Its office and shop are at Hollingwood Hub which includes Katey’s Coffee Shop. Membership is available via the website, which is a mine of information about the canal and the trust.
