Changes are also to be made to visitor mooring times, allowing a greater number of boats to visit the most popular parts of the canal. Canal side ‘service stations' for boaters have also been up graded.
The improvements have been shaped by the views of local boat owners who were keen to enjoy easier access to the most popular mooring destinations.
The Canal & River Trust's North West Partnership is responsible for overseeing our work in the region. Boater and partnership member, Mike Macklin, said: “The idyllic Lancaster Canal is cherished by boaters who I'm sure will be delighted by the changes and improvements that have been made.
“The changes have been brought about in response to many requests from boaters who want to be able to visit the most popular mooring destinations such as Bilsborrow, Tewitfield, Lancaster, Galgate, Carnforth and Hest Bank. These sites have some great visitor attractions close to them, as well as some of the best pubs in Lancashire!”
The changes include:
- Providing a mix of 48 hour and seven day moorings in the main boating season and 14 day moorings for the rest of the year.
- Additional moorings at Lancaster and Galgate, with plans for further moorings in other areas in the future.
- Improved service stations for boaters at Cadley, Moss Lane and Bilsborough.
Boost for local tourism
Our waterway manager Chantelle Seaborn said: “After spending time cruising the canal with boaters and listening to their concerns, we were keen to develop our Lancaster moorings canal project further.
“I am delighted this project will allow more boaters to enjoy the most popular mooring spots. This will bring a welcome boost for local tourism and for the waterway.”
During the winter, we have worked to clear obstructions from the water, have dealt with overgrown vegetation and have treated areas of encroaching weeds. Spot dredging will also be carried out during 2015 to make the canal easier to navigate.
Make a difference
Mike added: “Some of the sites where we want to increase moorings will require extra work to be undertaken, and this will need to be supported in part by donations. We are keen to speak to companies that might be able to help if they have an interest in the canals in Lancashire.”
As part of the project to welcome boaters to the Lancaster Canal, the Canal & River Trust is also recruiting more volunteer rangers to provide information to boaters about available moorings and nearby attractions.
If you would like to become a volunteer ranger or if you want to comment on the project please contact us at [email protected]
