West
Vale Branch |
Our main effort so far this year, has been concentrated on the Steppingstone Lane Bridge bridleway diversion. (It will be really inspiring to actually “start” on the bridge in the spring but until then we must get on with the preparation.) Since Christmas we have removed several small tree stumps and laid a drainage pipe under the access point where the diversion crosses a ditch. Guide rails have been positioned at the junction of the bridleway and the diversion to ensure that users keep to the correct route and don’t cut corners!
The steel storage container (The Blue Box!) has been moved and repositioned in a more suitable place adjacent to the western coffer dam. This activity was accomplished by four stalwarts armed with only Tirfor winch, chains and thick planks of wood. Just shows what good planning and control by the Working Party Organiser can do to a tricky problem. Well done Chris! We even had time to lay a membrane and scalpings in front of the container to prevent the area becoming a quagmire. For those with Internet access please visit our web pages at “http://www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk” and see these work parties in living colour. Only the dam top to be surfaced and more guide rails fixing now to complete the diversion.
Our backroom folk are still working on getting leases for various bits of our section, with some small chinks of progress beginning to show. Also Planning Applications are being prepared in order to facilitate the restoration and of the canal and building of the new culvert at Tuckmill Brook. Hopefully I will have more to report on these points in the next issue.
Although we are still being treated to torrential rain and occasional snow flurries (late February), we are starting to get ready for grass cutting and hedge maintenance. The mowers, cutters and strimmers need servicing, and repairing where necessary, to ensure that we don’t have too many problems when the sun eventually returns. As all restorers know, the more we restore, the more we have to maintain, which slows down further restoration – vicious circle! If only we could encourage more volunteers to help out with these, admittedly cosmetic, tasks (Heartfelt plea!!!!) If anyone feels like helping, out please contact the Branch Chairman or Work Party Organiser.
Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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