TOWN councillors found themselves in at the deep end when they took to the waters to celebrate the opening of the River Mersey Canoe Trail in Stockport.
The launch held on Monday near Brinksway Weir, marks the first voluntary dedication of public access to a water way by landowners.
The new right of access to River Mersey was a joint venture between Natural England and the Environment Agency, supported by Stockport Council.
The plucky councillors who paddled off included town hall leader Brian Millard, Pam King and Sue Derbyshire who travelled down river by kayak from the start of the canoe trail at Ford Street to Burnage Football Club.
Coun Brian Millard said: "The dedication of land and creation of the canoe trail helps us achieve our objectives for the regeneration of the River Mersey, which starts in Stockport. The council is keen to promote public access and enjoyment of the Mersey and the trail complements the creation of the new Mersey Vale Nature Park alongside the river in Heaton Mersey, and the Trans Pennine Trail."
Richard Leafe, north west regional director for Natural England, said: "Gaining support from owners of the river banks and waterbeds along the route is a fantastic achievement. There are access points to the river right along the route from Carrington Parish recreation ground to Sale and Chorlton Water Parks, Ford Street and Burnage Rugby Club. Opening up this canoe trail brings a future of possibilities for outdoor fun in the local area."
Environment Agency area manager Steve Moore said on October 3 the agency presented the findings of a national two-year study into how landowners can open up more rivers for canoeing.
He added: "We have a duty to promote the use of water and watersides for recreation and we do this by striking a balance between the needs of competing water users and the environment. With the popularity of canoeing on the increase we welcome this commitment from landowners to open up their land for this sport."
For more information on how landowners can open up rivers visit: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/recreation
Showing comments 1 to 1 and replies | View All
Ex-Cheadle Heath boy, Stoke-on-Trent (23/02/2009 at 14:05)
Luckily for me, I was rescued and dragged out unconscious by two men from the cottages on top of the cliffs (Bill Howard and Jack Morris). Jack Morris heard my scream as I plunged down the cliffs and raised the alarm. He and Bill Howard somehow got down the cliffs and dragged me out of the murky waters and Bill gave me artificial respiration before the two of them dragged me back up the cliffs inch by inch to the safety of Jack's cottage at 122, Brinksway.
I was lucky...I survived the ordeal. But many children playing on the steep cliffs here in the distant past have fallen in and been swept under and drowned. Their names now lost in the mists of time.
Another survivor from around that time was eleven years old James Price, from 16, Lomas Street, Edgeley, who fell in on a dark afternoon in December, 1953. He was rescued by two Stockport policemen who were later given awards fpr bravery for saving James' life.