Relics of the Past

Islands Brow, bridge keeper's cottage

The old bridge keeper's cottage on Islands Brow Road (left) has stood empty for many years and it is now rumoured that St.Helens council would like to demolish it. We believe it to be the last survivor of the earliest known lock and bridge keepers' cottages, so this would represent a significant loss to the canal's heritage. Right - the cottage in 1923.

Bewsey Lock Bridge

Over the last few years the bridge that crosses over Bewsey Lock in Warrington, has deteriorated to the point where it had become unsafe. Now with the aid of a grant from WREN Warrington BC have been able to replace it with a new one. See the pictures on the back cover.

The old bridge was the last surviving example of a wooden swing bridge on the Sankey Canal. It is intended that as far as possible the ironwork for the old bridge will be used in the construction of the new one.

The photo shows the turning mechanism has been cleaned up, painted and left in place underneath the new bridge.

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Canal Cuttings Editor: David Long   Site design: Phil D.Long