Cromford Canal set to open to boats in £300k project

A Derbyshire canal is set to open to boats for the first time in many years in a £300,000 project.

Dredging works carried out by the county council will make a 1.3-mile stretch of Cromford Canal deeper so that boats can sail there.

The work will be undertaken between Cromford Wharf and Leawood Pump House.

Cromford Canal is part of the World Heritage site and the council said the investment would bring "long-term benefits to the area".

Councillor Simon Spencer said: "Tourism is an integral part of the Derbyshire Dales economy and the work will enable boats to be run on the canal for the first time in many years.

"Increasing visitor numbers to the area will create jobs and opportunities for local businesses."

The last fare-paying boat to travel along that stretch of water was in 1989, said a council spokesman.

The work is expected to take about nine weeks to complete.