Restoration Round-Up

Hulme Lock Cottage

Since the last issue of Canal Cuttings, way back in September, much progress has been made on the clearance of the Lock Cottage. The paved area at the rear (now known as the back yard) has been cleared. This has revealed the remains of a wall along the back edge of the yard and a rectangular well, which we hope to clear shortly (at present it is full of rubble, etc.). The rear wall of the Cottage is badly corroded and looks like it needs completely rebuilding. Further investigation into the cellar has been made, but without any answers to our question as to what the stone built addition on the north gable was for.

In December, Waterway Recovery Group North West paid us a visit, and great progress was made clearing a new area to the north of the back yard plus the clearance of another access path at that end of the site. Their work also uncovered another wall, just to add a bit more to the mystery.

The next stage must now be to consolidate what has been uncovered; to prevent too much deterioration taking place. With this in mind, bricks have been ordered; and it is hoped that brick-laying will commence early in the new year, weather permitting.

Once again, I would like to thank all the volunteers who contributed both time and effort to this project.

Colin Greenall

Anyone wanting details of work parties please contact Colin on: 01744 731746.

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