Initiatives included the restoration of Frodsham Old Lock, the reopening of Weston Lock and the ambitious Unlock Runcorn project. The Weaver campaign cruise was organised jointly by IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch and the River Weaver Navigation Society. It took place between 22nd and 26th August.
IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch launched a new campaign as part of the cruise to restore the Frodsham Old Lock. Bringing this lock back into use would relink the town of Frodsham to the river. It would also create a new cruising route. The Weaver has become a popular waterway with boaters since the restoration of the Anderton Boat Lift. Restorations such as this bring boats and associated economic and social benefits to towns along the route.
The convoy arrived at their destination in Runcorn on the 26th August. Visitors were treated to guided tours. They learned how plans to rejuvenate this area of Runcorn, and create a significant national waterway attraction.
Two sets of locks at Runcorn historically linked the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal. This ambitious project would see the restoration of a link between the Bridgewater and the Manchester Ship Canals, completing the Runcorn cruising ring. The major engineering scheme involving a boat lift, inclined plane and restored locks on one of the old flights of locks between the two canals. The link will bring health and economic benefits to the town. It will also reinstate an important part of Runcorn’s industrial heritage.
