Public asked to help boost visitors at famous canal locks

British Waterways is devising an activity plan to look at a range of ways to improve the visitor appeal of the Grade 1* listed lock flight and nearby North Bog site.

Material provided by the public could form part of any future activities to highlight the importance of the canal in a project funded by the European Union.

As one of only Seven Wonders of the Waterways, Five Rise locks attract around 300,000 visits a year with approximately 2,600 boats passing through annually.

Stephen Higham, regeneration manager for British Waterways, said: “The project aims to engage with new and existing audiences through a programme of consultation, provide opportunities for people to have a greater say in future plans for the site and look to increase awareness of the cultural significance of the site.

“Although the canal corridor is already a vibrant area with an impressive footfall and remarkable heritage, we have found that users tend to use either the canal towpath as commuter routes rather than a place to stop and visit.

“We’d like to introduce some innovative interpretation for the site to explain the historic importance of the locks and canal, look to develop better connections with the town centre to increase visitor stays at the site and increase the opportunities for people to become involved with future conservation.”

Marion Blockley, management consultant for the project, said: “If anyone has any information from the bicentennial celebrations at Bingley Five Rise locks or the souvenir programme from the 1970s, I’d love it if they could bring it along. We hope to bring some added vitality to the lock flight and this public consultation is a great way to get local people involved.”

Anyone who can help should email [email protected].

A consultation is taking place at Bingley Market on Friday and Saturday.