Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Delph of despair

Christopher Brereton
11/ 8/2005

WORSLEY'S historic canal system might be lost to future generations forever unless council bosses act quickly to restore the area.

This claim, made by Worsley councillor Graham Compton, comes as Worsley Delph continues to be left to 'rack and ruin'.

The Delph is the starting point of 47 miles of underwater canals that stretch out towards Walkden and Little Hulton.

The Delph is regarded as an engineering masterpiece with historians travelling from all over the world to visit the site.

But in recent years it has become so overgrown and derelict that it has become impossible to actually see the tunnels' entrances - leaving Cllr Compton and residents angry.

Cllr Compton said: "This is part of Salford's history and it's being ignored. It would cost around £250,000 to clean it up - nothing compared with the money being spent in other parts of the city.

"The Delph is Salford's heritage and the council has a duty to preserve it. They say that Worsley is the jewel in Salford's crown, so why don't they back the words up with action?"

Council leader John Merry denied problems at the site were being ignored and said the council was listening to concerns.

He said: "We have been very supportive of the initiative to keep the Delph as it is. I do understand the concerns but we do also have to look after other parts of the city."