ABOUT 300 people attended an open day organised by the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group at Woolston, Warrington.
The event at the Paddington House Hotel enabled the group to showcase the progress that has been made during three years by volunteers working in partnership with the local authorities.
The event attracted a number of environmental and heritage groups focussing on the wildlife of Paddington Meadows and the New Cut Canal.
These included the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society telling the story of the restoration of their steam tug and the Friends of Warrington Transporter Bridge promoting the restoration of the unique transporter bridge over the Mersey at Bank Quay.
The Environment Agency, who were a key event sponsor, had a major presence with a senior team available to talk to residents especially on the issue of flood defence, whilst ornithologists spoke with authority on the newly discovered types of bird on the meadows.
Highlight of the day was a presentation by Mike Kenwright on the origins and development of the Mersey and Irwell navigation, the waterway that preceded the Manchester Ship Canal and a part of which was the New Cut Canal.
Well-known as an expert on the history of the Mersey and Irwell, Mile illustrated his talk with many old pictures and maps, especially of the system around Warrington and highlighting the town’s importance as a major river port.
Group chairman Ian Johnson said: “We were delighted with the numbers of local people who showed such a keen interest in the work of the group and the support that local sponsors gave us. The group has worked well over the past few years with the local authorities, other partners and the Environment Agency to create an excellent facility in the locality for all to enjoy and an environment rich in flora and fauna and transport heritage.”
Anyone interested in joining the group or in the history of the area should email [email protected]
300 attend canal heritage group open day
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