The event celebrated eight decades of IWA’s work to protect, restore and promote the nation’s inland waterways, while also shining a spotlight on the potential of the River Weaver and the challenges that continue to affect its use and accessibility.
Normally moored below Sutton Weaver Bridge, The Danny was a fitting backdrop for a campaign cruise to showcase one of the country’s most under-appreciated navigations. The River Weaver combines rich industrial heritage with exceptional natural beauty. Within a short distance of former industrial sites are thriving wildlife habitats, including some of the highest concentrations of kingfishers found on any UK navigation.
The Weaver also offers a reliable and easy cruising experience due to it being non-tidal. Thanks to its large catchment area, water levels rarely become problematic, and the navigation has never been subject to lock restrictions because of low water levels. Its staffed locks make it easy to navigate, yet despite these advantages, the river remains significantly underused.
IWA believes the River Weaver deserves far greater recognition as a recreational and heritage asset and so this is also a call to action because several longstanding issues continue to limit its full potential. A lack of dredging has constrained commercial and leisure use in some areas, while concerns remain about the long-term management and maintenance of key infrastructure along the navigation because of a loss of knowledge.
More recently the closure of Marsh Lock which is the other access point onto the river via the Manchester Ship Canal from Ellesmere Port has exasperated the situation. The lock is now semi-operable with passage having to be booked, but there is a financial cost to boaters.
The most pressing concern is the continued closure of the iconic Anderton Boat Lift that links the River Weaver with the Trent & Mersey Canal. Despite substantial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Canal & River Trust has yet to provide a confirmed timetable for reopening the lift.
The closure has now exceeded 19 months, preventing boats from moving between two of the region’s most important waterways and restricting opportunities for tourism, recreation and economic activity.
While IWA welcomes ongoing efforts to address the technical challenges facing the structure, the charity believes that such an extended closure is unacceptable for a nationally significant heritage asset and major navigation link. Greater clarity is urgently needed regarding the programme of works and the expected reopening date.
Jim Forkin, chair of IWA Chester and Merseyside Branch, said:
“The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and its long closure plus at least another 12 months into 2027 is unacceptable. This situation needs addressing with more pressure put on Canal & River Trust to get the boat lift working again as soon as possible.
“The lack of boats on the Weaver is very disappointing; it is a beautiful river with many attractions and historic assets. To bring boats back to the river would give a much-needed financial boost to many businesses and pleasure to boaters along its course.”
Mike Wills, IWA Chair, said:
“Over the last 80 years, IWA has helped secure the future of waterways across the country. The River Weaver is one of the finest examples of what our waterways can offer, combining industrial heritage, outstanding wildlife and excellent cruising conditions. However, its potential is being held back by avoidable infrastructure issues, most notably the prolonged closure of the Anderton Boat Lift.
“We want to see this remarkable navigation fully connected, accessible and able to realise the benefits it can bring to local communities, boaters and visitors.”
As IWA celebrates its 80th anniversary, the organisation remains committed to campaigning for well-maintained, connected and thriving waterways that can be enjoyed by future generations.
