A new Canal Adoption Group has been launched in Macclesfield, with the support of local MP, David Rutley, to help maintain a section of the Macclesfield Canal.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) has developed a programme of Adoption Groups along all of their canals which encourage communities to adopt, look after and maintain a stretch of the canal, typically around a mile in length. There are several adoption groups already established on the Macclesfield Canal, however, none in the town itself.
Following a meeting with David earlier in the year, Duncan Learmond and Ray Butler took the idea of a local adoption group to the Macclesfield Canal Society, which is supporting the scheme, and then secured the backing of the CRT.
David was in attendance along with CRT Regional Manager, David Baldacchino to support the well-attended first event on Saturday May 28th, at Bridge 40 on the Canal. The Group will meet at the location on the first Wednesday of the month to carry on the maintenance work on the Canal, with everyone welcome to attend. All those interested in helping are welcome to join the Group by contacting Duncan Learmond on 07584285766, or emailing dgl_70@yahoo.com.
Speaking following the meeting, David said, “It was a pleasure to be able to attend the very first meeting of the Macclesfield Adoption Group. Volunteers have worked very hard to get the Group in place, and I am sure this will be an important initiative that will help make the Macclesfield Canal a more enjoyable and pleasant place to visit. The Canal is an important part of our heritage. I would urge anyone who is interested in helping to maintain the Canal to get involved.”