DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS have scooped a major award for their hard work to restore a stretch of picturesque canal towpath in Greenfield.
Street Scene Greenfield and helpers have spent the last 12 months cleaning debris, cutting back vegetation and resurfacing areas with stone along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
They adopted the mile-long section as part of the ‘Adopt a Canal’ initiative launched by the Canal and River Trust to transform their waterways.
And now their efforts have been recognised as they have been named as the Manchester and Pennine Volunteer Group of the Year.
Gill McCulley, who leads the project days, said: “I would like to thank all individuals and businesses who provided support for this ongoing community project by volunteering their time and/or donating money or materials.
“Without you the progress and improvements we have made since we adopted this section of the towpath would not have been possible.”
Peter Lowe, Street Scene’s coordinator, added: “The success of this project is down to Gill and her excellent leadership and dedication.
“We are very proud of all she and the volunteers have achieved.”
Steve O’Sullivan, Volunteer Coordinator Manchester and Pennine Waterways, will present a certificate to the group at their next project day on Tuesday, November 11.
But despite their sterling efforts, there is still much work to be done on the towpath between Greenfield and Friezland, as these pictures sent in by a reader show.
The concerned resident said: “There are some sections that are falling badly into disrepair and need a bit more help, perhaps from the Canal and River Trust.
“It must be more than a decade ago now that tens of millions was spent refurbishing and rebuilding bridges and reopening the full canal.
“I hope more investment can be made now to repair and maintain the waterways and towpaths, along with the great work done by local groups.”
The Canal and River Trust carries out essential year-round maintenance while adoption groups bring important added benefits by carrying out towpath repairs, litter picking, and trimming back vegetation.
Stephen Ballard, maintenance manager for the Manchester and Pennines, said: “It is a long term aspiration to repair this and many of our other walls.
“We are fortunate to have a highly active community adoption group working in the area. The group have carried out some sterling work with regard to towpath improvements, vegetation clearance, planting and replacing a community seat on the towpath.”
He added: “With the help of the strong volunteer base in the area and the local community, projects like the wall repair in the photo may be able to be completed earlier.”
Anyone interested in joining Street Scene Greenfield for their canal project days should contact Gill McCulley on gillmcculley@yahoo.comor call 01457 870364.
The next dates are Tuesday November 11, Friday November 28 and Saturday December 13.Equipment will be provided but please wear suitable outdoor clothing and boots, and you may wish to bring a drink and snack.
More volunteers interested in looking after their local canal should contact Canal and River Trust volunteer coordinator Steve O’Sullivan on 07887 684707 or email steve.osullivan@canalrivertrust.org.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.