Tunnel reopening launches Staffordshire renaissance

The latest piece in the renovation jigsaw of historic Caldon Canal falls into place on Saturday, 31 May with the official re-opening of Froghall Tunnel to boat traffic.

A display at Froghall Wharf will identify the proposed improvements to the local canal environment – and British Waterways (BW) is inviting the public to join them for the occasion and comment on the plans for the future. Free boat trips will also be running between 1pm and 4pm from the Wharf.

The 17 mile branch of the Trent & Mersey Canal is currently undergoing a renaissance which saw the waterway reopened in February and will culminate in the heritage renovation of Froghall Wharf. British Waterways is spearheading the £800,000 initiative, which will deliver a re-developed mooring basin; new visitor services facility; restoration of the historic lock; access improvements; installation of mooring rings; and towpath enhancements.

BW Peak & Potteries Acting Manager Faizul Chowdhury said the result would be a sympathetically restored site, carefully balancing environmental needs with boater aspirations. He added: "The final project will deliver a fully navigable waterway, boasting a refurbished, extended canal basin, visitor moorings and improved facilities, while conserving the widely varied fauna and flora."

The project is supported by Caldon Canal Society, Waterway Recovery Group, Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Inland Waterways Association – Stoke on Trent Branch with funding to this stage coming from British Waterways and Rural Regeneration North East Staffordshire.

The restoration is expected to result in 20,000 new annual visits to the area, with around 2,000 additional overnight stays at local accommodation. This is expected to boost the local economy by some £250,000 pa., while securing the conservation of a tranquil site.

Local volunteers have already been involved in the project and in February began the selective removal of seven trees from the heavily wooded site. Tree removal is being kept to a minimum, enabling the extensive woodland to flourish and enable survey work on the historic structure to be undertaken.