Restoration work on the Canal predates the formation of the Society. The two Locks into the River Mersey were restored in the early 1980’s to form marinas for sea-going/estuary pleasure boats. Thus Halton Borough Council restored one of the Wood End Locks at Widnes, making a slip-way in the other lock-space, and Warrington Borough Council restored the remaining lock at Fiddlers Ferry in the third phase of an extensive programme which put most of the Canal within its boundaries in water... whilst still leaving the fixed road and railway bridges to prevent through navigation.... In fairness, their aim was limited - to create a marina, provide it with water from upstream, and to improve the appearance of the waterway where it ran through a linear park being created along its length from Widnes to St Helens.

The idea of forming a Canal Society for the Sankey was to widen that aim so that the country’s first modern canal would be fully restored. There is only one 'First Canal of the Industrial Revolution' - it’s the Sankey, and it should never have been allowed to fall into the neglected state it was in by the 1970’s. We intend to ensure that the Canal’s primacy is fully acknowledged, and that funds are found to return it to full navigation.

Since SCARS was formed, St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council has been moved to gain extensive funds for work on the Canal within its boundaries. The most spectacular work involved the restoration of the New Double Locks, which are well worth a visit. Being connected to the network of Restoration Societies paid off well here - the Callis Mill works of the Rochdale Canal Society supplied the gates at a fraction of the quoted commercial price. If we hadn’t been able to tell the Council about Callis Mill, the Locks would probably have been restored with solid barriers rather than gates.

The Society produced its own 'Statement of Intent' in the form of a booklet entitled 'Sailing the Sankey' (now sold out)...- in which the obstructions to navigation are listed. A Feasibility Study was completed in the mid-1990's. Our partners in the Local Authorities are now working on a follow-up Economic Benefits Study.