A GROUP of canoers had the opportunity to be the first boats on the Sankey Canal in more than 100 years.
As part of a new canoeing taster session, 40 people explored St Helens' waterways down a stretch of Britain's first modern canal on Sunday, July 31.
Built during the Industrial Revolution in 1755, the Sankey Canal connected St Helens to the River Mersey via Spike Island in Widnes, and brought coal down to the growing chemical industries of Liverpool.
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On the stretch of the canal by the Torus Foundry Wharf development in the town centre, the taster session hopes to be the start of a new initiative to get residents active, involved in watersports, and enjoy the town's historic environment.
In collaboration between St Helens Council, St Helens Rotary Club and St Helens Canoe Club, the event also involved residents litter picking and re-painting areas of the canal to maintain its appearance.
The Sankey Canal is viewed by the council as a prime area to preserve and utilise as they town looks ahead with regeneration plans.
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture, and Heritage, commented:
"As a key asset during the industrial revolution, Sankey Canal is a vital part of the borough’s history and heritage - and should be assessable for everyone to enjoy in a safe and controlled manner.
"So these canoe sessions are a fitting way of making excellent use of this stunning space, while introducing people to new leisure opportunities which promote an active and sociable lifestyle.
"We’ve big things planned for the future of town centre in terms of regeneration but it’s the heritage that has run through it for hundreds of years that we must protect and utilise.”
Paul Winstanley President of St Helens Rotary Club added: “It is a pleasure to see families enjoying this historical canal again.
"To have boats back on the canal for over a century was a historical moment.
"245 bin bags of rubbish, three traffic cones and two bikes were removed as part of the Rotary’s volunteering commitment to keep this stretch of the canal clean.
"It was lovely to see those participating also helping to littler pick on the day.”
Another session will take place in the near future, with anyone interested in attending asked to email GemmaIreland@sthelens.gov.uk
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