Medlock Valley
Sandwiched between the Rivers Irk and the Medlock in North Manchester is the vastly populated area which resulted from the Industrial revolution, the inevitable pollution became our heritage. The once pleasant Irk and Medlock rivers with pastures, cattle and orchards became lifeless, contaminated stretches of water. The future now points to a recapture of those pleasant valley scenes, and a return of both fauna and flora which long ago was enjoyed by the people of Manchester, so too the return of the fish which were once abundant.

As a child, and as a youth, my mates and I often trailed both the Irk and the Medlock during the 1930s and 40s, even then there were fish in certain parts of the Medlock, and along the banks we saw plenty of wild life including rabbits, stoats and the odd fox at times too.

I had a chat with some youngsters in Newton Heath Library. about the “Medlock Valley” project and in particular “Clayton Vale.” Thanks to the staff there, who very kindly provided facilities to enable me to interview the youngsters.

Donna Ashworth, Donna Stott and Ryan Sharples, are all local schoolchildren, they were positive in their hopes for the valley project and said they hope everyone can enjoy it without the rival gangs spoiling things.

The scheme is a giant step towards something worthwhile for the community to benefit from.

Information: 0845 933 3111. (www.environment-agency.uk)

Irk Valley
Across the divide to the Irk, memories of youthful adventure and adolescent interests.
“The Irk” seemed to be a bit more rugged than the Medlock, yet none- the- less enjoyable, there too some stretches were really pleasant, a walk along Moston Brook through Monsall, Harpurhey and Collyhurst to the spot where the Brook meets the Irk was at certain times of the year like walking in the countryside, but I don’t recall seeing fish or animals apart from a few rats. The Irk regeneration scheme will make huge impact the improvement possibilities offer plenty of scope for design and decor, further up-stream away from the city centre there are lots of green area’s waiting to be developed and already children from St. Malachy’s Primary School have been involved in planting bulbs.

Let us hope that people will find the time to switch off the Television for a while and spend a bit of the summer strolling along our two valley’s to inhale some fresh air and drink in some pleasant views. (If we get a summer that is?).

For information call the Irk Valley Project on 0161 237 5656.
Tom Connor