Ten ways to reduce plastic pollution in our canals

It’s a sad fact that our canals and rivers are becoming increasingly affected by plastic waste. The Canal and River Trust has produced a list of easy ways to start reducing the waste that we generate and the amount entering our waterways.  Click here to read about the ten ways.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2019

More than half a million people are expected to watch and count garden birds across the country in this event organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), during the period Saturday 26 January to Monday 28 January.

The event – now in its 40th year – is the world's largest garden wildlife survey. Over three days people are encouraged to spend one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local public space. The results are then collated by the RSPB.

Last year over eight millions birds were seen, with the house sparrow the most frequently-recorded species. But with cold weather affecting some parts of the UK during the last weekend of January, the Society is suggesting that people should look out for scarcer birds which may visit gardens looking for food.

For details of how to take part please visit the RSPB official website.

New access ramp - a huge boost for Mirfield

A project to link St Paul’s Lock with the Calder and Hebble Canal has given Mirfield a major boost, according to the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) Regional Advisory Board for Yorkshire.  Speaking at the official opening of Darren Smith Homes’(DSH) £80,000 disability ramp, CRT Member Hilary Brooke said: “Making this towpath and a variety of other paths accessible to everyone, including those using wheelchairs and buggies, has long been an aspiration for local people. DSH has achieved this.

“By partnering DSH, CRT and Mirfield Community Partnership, we have matched skills, expertise, people and goodwill and we achieved a great deal for Mirfield.  We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Friday’s official opening included children from Crowlees C of E School in Mirfield who are also members of the Crowlees Hoppa. Parent and founder member, Dianne Watkinson, describes this as a cross between a walking bus and "park and stride" scheme.  Last December, DSH sponsored the children’s high-visibility vests to help ensure they can walk to school in safety.

DSH managing director, Darren Smith, said: “We are delighted to have built and funded this great new ramp as part of our ongoing commitment to improve and enhance the area and give something back to our residents and the wider community."

Up-date - Battyeford Cut Flood Lock

On 9 November we informed you about work taking place on the Battyeford Cut Flood Lock - we are now pleased to tell you that the work to repair the cills has been completed sooner than expected and the navigation is once again open.

Safe Anchor Trust - Santa Special

Safe Anchor Trust will be hosting its annual Santa Special for the local community on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, from 10 am to 2,30 pm.  The Trust will be providing boat trips from the centre of Mirfield to Shepley Bridge Marina for children to meet Santa.

Trips start from the towpath behind LIDL in Mirfield with boats leaving every 20 minutes.  Passengers are transported by boat to Santa’s Grotto, around 15 minutes, where all children get to meet Santa and receive a present from him. The model railway will be running, the cafe is open and other activities will be taking place. When you are ready, get back on a boat to be transferred back to Mirfield. There is a small charge for these trips.

Safe Anchor Trust is an award winning local charity providing access to the waterways for disadvantaged groups.

Battyeford Cut Flood Lock

The flood lock gates have a number of leakage points.  In order to repair the cills, the lock will be drained in coming weeks. As the photo shows, preparatory work has already started.

Co-op members have raised over £19m for good causes

Congratulations to Mirfield Promenade friends and colleagues.

The Co op members and staff at Mirfield have raised an amazing £9,000 towards the ongoing improvements of our canal and river, through the town.

Over and above the actual cash, it is our wonderful volunteers , business supporters,

and CRT staff who graft and deliver the projects.

You can find out more on this video produced by the Co-op.