Volunteers prove key to new lock for Chesterfield Canal

Volunteers have taken part in two week-long work camps, during which they have laid bricks and blocks to create the front walls of the new lock.

The remainder of the work will be carried out by volunteers from the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

A spokesman for the Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “The new lock – to be called Staveley Town Lock, number 5A – will enable the canal to get under a railway line a few hundred metres further on.

“There will be a twin lock -– Railway Lock, number 5B – on the other side of the railway line to raise the canal again.

“The two sections will be joined by a pipe to siphon the water from one section to the other.

“The whole project has aroused enormous interest in Staveley, many of whose citizens remember it as a muddy ditch.

“They are delighted by the prospect of having canal boats moored on their doorstep and the Chesterfield Canal Trust is planning to hold a Canal Festival on the site next summer.”

Supporters can help the project by donating a brick towards the cost of the lock, starting at £5 per brick.

Other options involve donating £50 for a “hodful” or £100 for a “barrowload” of bricks.

For details [email protected]