THE restoration of Sankey Canal is set to receive a major boost by the creation of a new partnership to support the regeneration project.

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS), the Canal & River Trust, as well as St Helens, Warrington and Halton borough councils, have all come together to form the partnership which will launch at the World of Glass next Wednesday (September 27).

St Helens Council had announced last month a key part of its town centre regeneration vision is to redevelop the area around the section of Sankey Canal into a modern waterfront area, with bars and restaurants on lower levels and canal-side apartments.

The man-made waterway begins in St Helens and runs through Newton-le-Willows, Winwick, Warrington and ends at Spike Island in Widnes, where it connects into the River Mersey.

Opened in 1757, the Sankey pre-dates the Bridgewater Canal by four years and was built primarily to carry coal from the Lancashire coalfields to the then growing port of Liverpool. Its construction and later extensions led to the birth of the chemical industry on the banks of the Mersey at Widnes.

The canal is remarkable for featuring Britain’s first staircase lock and first viaduct crossing of a canal by a railway – George Stephenson’s original line from Liverpool to Manchester.

After canal cargoes declined in the early 1900s, the Sankey was officially closed in 1963.

Much of the canal remains in water but the navigation is now severed by the M62 motorway, several roads, a footbridge and a railway line.

In the 21st century the canal route has been successfully re-invented as the Sankey Valley Trail, converting almost the entire length of the former towpath into a long-distance, off-road footpath suitable for cyclists, walkers, prams and wheelchairs.

Thriving boat clubs operate at the two locks into the River Mersey at Fiddlers Ferry and Spike Island, and the trail is popular with a wide range of groups and individuals from anglers to dog-walkers.

SCARS was formed in 1985 with the aim of returning the canal to navigation and since hundreds of volunteers have dedicated themselves to renovating locks and bridges, and improving pathways.

Partnership chairman Lady Kirsty Pilkington said: “At the conference, the five organisations will pledge to develop the Sankey Canal and promote economic regeneration, health and prosperity for the benefit of all who live and work along its route.

"We know from canal restorations that have taken place in other parts of the country, this is a proven way to enrich people’s lives and re-invigorate communities.”

Chantelle Seaborn, NW waterway manager with the Canal & River Trust, added: “Canals were once the motorways of their day but now two centuries later they are undergoing a wonderful renaissance as peaceful havens for people and wildlife, away from the bustle of modern urban life.

“The Sankey Canal offers huge potential to drive forward economic prosperity, health and well-being. The long-term aspiration is for full restoration of the route. However this will take time and funding.

"While we work towards this vision, we will continue to regenerate the canal corridor, to share its heritage and encourage more people to use their local green gym!

“The Partnership will be carrying out surveys and further consultations in preparation for funding bids which would enable the canal’s restoration to be delivered in phases.”

SCARS chairman Dave Smallshaw said: “Volunteers will play a key role in delivering the partnership’s ambitious goals. We are hoping to formally adopt a stretch of the Sankey Canal around the historic double locks in St Helens, and would love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved. We hold regular work parties but there are also other ways people can contribute without getting their hands dirty.”

For more about volunteering contact colin.greenall@btinternet.com, call 01744 731746 or visit sankeycanal.co.uk