'˜Canal is looking like its usual self'

A task force of helpers rallied around at Sowerby Bridge wharf to spend a day fixing problems that arose on the Rochdale Canal following the damage caused by the deluge on Boxing Day.

An eager force of around 20 people worked on the towpath between lock three and the canal’s junction with the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

Tasks on the day involved getting rid of water from potholes, filling holes with stone, replacing fence rails that had been knocked over by the force of the water and removing plastic bags and debris from trees and greenery.

Towpaths have become unsafe following huge amounts of thick mud and rubble cluttering the walkways along the scenic routes.

The clean up was organised by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of historic waterways in England & Wales.

The group was made up of some of the canal trust’s volunteers as well as some who 
volunteer for Calderdale Council.

Jon Stopp, lead volunteer from the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who came out and braved some pretty foul weather to help their local 
canal recover from the impact of the floods.

“They worked really hard and thanks to their efforts the canal is looking a lot cleaner, safer and more like it’s usual self.

“It’s another great example of how local people are playing an important part in getting our waterways back on track.”