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The Lancaster Canal from Preston to Tewitfield Locks was opened in 1797. At 47 miles long, the longest stretch of lock free canal in the country. The canal from Tewitfield to Kendal was opened in 1819. With the advent of rail in the mid 1840's activity on the canal system began to decline. By 1947 parts of the Lancaster Canal were closing down. In the 1960's the route of the new M6 motorway made several crossings over the canal and effectively closed 14 miles of the most northerly section up to Kendal. This stretch is known as "the Northern Reaches".
Much of the Northern Reaches is no longer in water. The Tewitfield locks themselves, the Hincaster Tunnel portals and the Sedgwick aqueduct, all located along the Northern Reaches, are National Historical Monuments. Restoration is an imperative in order to avoid losing this stretch of canal entirely - arguably the most beautiful canal in the country, together with some beautiful structures built by John Rennie.
In order to gain financial assistance we are required to prove there is public support for such a restoration. Your signature will be a valuable asset.
Please sign our petition and help us restore the canal.
Total Signatures to Date = 337