Marsden Shuttle visiting Stalybridge.Early Days
Formed in 1974, the Society, a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, campaigned for over 27 years to restore the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation and public use.
When Society volunteers first surveyed the canal, the whole of the canal corridor had been seriously affected by numerous recessions, leaving pockets of industrial dereliction and decline. All of the 74 lock chambers had been de-gated and landscaped, sections were lost to industrial encroachment, and the majority of bridges would need to be rebuilt. These were only the minor blockages - the canal had been piped and infilled through two town centres and the unique Standedge Tunnel needed substantial repairs.
To prove the feasibility and benefits brought by canal restoration, Society members restored a half mile section of canal between Uppermill and Dobcross in picturesque Saddleworth.
Immediately the benefits to local tourism and associated activity became evident and following a major abolition grant from Greater Manchester County Council in 1985, added impetus was given to the project, leading to the formation of a steering group comprising Kirklees, Oldham and Tameside Councils, British Waterways and the Society.
In the mid 1980's, and unique in the canal world, the Society had its own full time workforce supplemented by various government schemes for the unemployed. This not only increased progress but also credibility.
The Big Push
By 1995 three quarters of the Huddersfield Narrow had been restored. In 1997, following a major grant from the Millennium Commission and English Partnerships, the final £30m and most difficult phase of restoration began. The project was completed in May 2001 and in September, H.R.H. The Prince of Wales officially re-opened the Huddersfield Narrow.
Canal restoration was, and continues to be seen as a catalyst for regeneration, not only in terms of redevelopment, housing and jobs, but in the many improvements to the environment and leisure pursuits.
What Next?
Having achieved its primary aim - to restore the Huddersfield Narrow - the Society has established there are various ancillary projects still outstanding, e.g. lock painting and greasing, and vegetation clearance. H.C.S. has identified its future role whereby its volunteers will continue to undertake these small enhancement projects as well as working closely with British Waterways to maintain and develop the Huddersfield Narrow Canal into a premier waterway and major trans-Pennine asset for everyone.
Click here to find out about joining the Society.