Major improvement work to start on city canal network

A major project to improve part of the canal network in Stoke-on-Trent has officially started.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with the Canal & River Trust to enhance the 5km stretch of the Trent and Mersey Canal, which runs from Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station to Longton Road, in Trentham.

It is part of a shared vision to unlock the potential of the city’s waterways and deliver a number of health benefits for local residents.

The scheme is one of 10 transformation projects the council is looking to deliver as part of a £20 million investment into regeneration in the city.

Work will include removing and cutting back overgrown hedges, vegetation and a small number of trees to help open up and improve visibility of the towpaths, and new top dressing will be applied to the whole 5km length.

Significant repairs will also be made to the towpath, particularly in areas where cobbles have cracked or lifted due to tree roots, and new solar lighting will be installed.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for regeneration, infrastructure and transport, said: “This work will bring our city’s wonderful canals back to life and will bring with it significant economic and environmental benefits. It will make the canal safer, more attractive and accessible to residents and visitors, and promote active travel by providing traffic-free walking and cycling routes in the city.

“It will also help to connect residents to key employment sites along the stretch such as Trentham Lakes and Newstead.

“The canals that have served our city for over two centuries are an important part of our heritage. Yet, over time, they have been neglected and parts of the towpath have become inaccessible. By modernising and enhancing the canal network, we’re opening up these beautiful spaces for more people to enjoy and make use of the natural environment on our doorsteps.

“This is another step in our shared ambition to make our city healthier, safer, greener and cleaner – a place where everyone can thrive.”

It is estimated that all of the work should be completed by the end of June 2025.

Peter Obor, project manager for Canal & River Trust, said: “This project demonstrates the transformative potential of our waterways, not just as historic assets but as vibrant spaces that enhance local communities.

“By improving this stretch of the Trent and Mersey Canal, we’re creating safer, greener and more welcoming spaces that encourage people to explore and connect with nature.

“The partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a fantastic example of how collaboration can bring lasting benefits to local residents, wildlife and the environment. We’re proud to play a role in breathing new life into this vital part of the city’s canal network.”