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River Irwell

Pomona Dock, seen from Pomona Lock, the access to the River Irwell from the Bridgewater Canal. Salford Quays is to the left at the far end of the dock, the River Irwell to the right. © www.penninewaterways.co.uk

Set in the heart of industrial Lancashire, the River Irwell runs for a brief 1.5 miles from the junction with the Manchester Ship Canal to Hunts Bank, a stone's throw away from the bright lights of the centre of Manchester.

The section of the River Irwell in the heart of Manchester, was one of the regional 19 River Valley Initiatives which formed part of the government-sponsored Mersey Basin Campaign. The general aim of the Campaign was to improve water quality, regenerate the watersides and to educate and raise awareness of the local waterways in the region. In respect of the River Irwell, the aim was to encourage local people living and working in Greater Manchester to use the waterway.