CANAL PLANS PASSED

Plans, submitted by charity the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust, to reopen a part of the derelict Derby canal near Draycott have been approved. Erewash Borough Council has approved the plans which would see a section of the former waterway between Hopwell Road and Derby Road reopened. It is hoped that the section will be used for water sports such as angling  and kayaking as well as open-water swimming. The ultimate aim is to reopen the whole route between Derby and Sandiacre. The proposed 200 years old Draycott section, derelict since 1985, will begin next to the former Thread Mill off Hopwell Road and the trust hopes it will become cottages, a museum and a café.  The trust aims for the approved section to become part of a “totally restored canal network” featuring moorings for small craft and trip boats near Derby Road.