The Derby Ring

Since 1994 the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society volunteers have been working to reopen the 12 mile Derby Canal which was built in 1796 but abandoned in 1964.

Three local planning authorities need to be appeased as well as BW itself. It was hoped that a decision by Derby City Council on part of the route would be forthcoming last week, but as NarrowboatWorld reports (http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php/leatest/2233-derby-decision-delayed) the decision on outline planning permission was delayed seemingly by BW needing more information.

Despite the canal being infilled, unlike most abandoned canals which are simply left neglected, over 90% of the land required has been has already been promised for the restoration. The cost of the whole project is estimated to be £45m plus a further £10m for the Midlands equivalent of the Falkirk Wheel.

The end result would be a 25 mile ring with the reinstated 12 mile Derby Canal stretch running from Swarkestone on the T & M to Sandiacre on the Erewash. Most of the infilled canal is now bridleway, cycle routes and the like so the route can be explored now. So far so good but a major stumbling block exists on crossing the Derwent to access the Derby Arm and so to the city centre by the Silk Mill.

To cross the Derwent an innovative design has been proposed to rival the Falkirk Wheel. The design is based on a medieval siege engine or trebuchet which can be likened to a catapult. The idea is that a boat would enter a cassion, or chamber, which would then be lifted 100ft upwards, swung 200ft and then deposited on the other side, after dropping 100ft. An ingenious, elegant and inexpensive to operate solution but expensive to build.

The Derbyshire and Sandiacre Canal Society is reliant upon volunteers. Some of Mercia's moorer's are already involved but they need more help. Or you can simply support their aims by joining the Society. They can be contacted via their website http://www.derbycanal.org.uk/ and leaflets are available in the Mercia Marina Office.