Rochdale Canal
In the 1930s, people often walked in the parks and along the towpath of the canal, on a nice summers day there was lots to see, barges would transport supplies to and from the mills and factories including Coal, Cotton, Timber, grain, metal and other goods required by industry. The barges were powered by either steam engines or by the age old method of horses, sometimes a horse would pull two barges at once and got extra corn in his nose-bag for the effort. In certain sections wild birds would pay a visit, geese, ducks and swans, also there was water fowl which nested in the reeds. Of course fishing was very popular and some stretches were specially stocked to provide for Angling contests to take place. Whenever a match was in progress the local shops selling bait and fishing gear done a roaring trade. Swimming was a regular event and in the summer on Sundayafternoons when the local Pubs closed in Newton Heath, a gathering of youngsters would be at the Mitchell street swing bridge to take part in the races, the course was from the bridge to Pinfold Locks and back, referee’s would be positioned at both the bridge and the Locks to make sure a touch was made. Gambling was rife at that time and there was always a Bookie taking bets at the swimming races, there was also Card schools and Pitch and Toss, and it was absolutely necessary to have a look out for the Police in case of a raid.

Canal traffic ceased during the second world war, the railways took most of the freight, although a few barges could be seen carrying for local cargoes. In the 1950s the canal became redundant altogether, the mills and factories which went out of business rented space to small industries and warehousing, The canal attracted no revenue and it became derelict and neglected. The firms who rented from the mills and factories began to dump all kinds of waste into the water course including Dyes, Chemicals and other obnoxious items, It became a stigma to the environment, and a danger to the health and safety of the local children, drownings had occured and the neighbour- hood set about getting rid of the nightmare. After a long campaign the locals got some satisfaction when it was announced that the “Cut” was to become a “Linear Water Park” with a shallow depth to make sure no more drownings would occur. The park opened in 1972.

At present, the canal is under re-construction to provide for a leisure boat navigation connecting to the other canals in the North West and it is expected to be opened in 2002, it is expected to create jobs for local people in Restaurants, Marina’s and Ships Chandlers. The re-opening of the canal to leisure boats will bring employment to the area, and generate businesses and revenue, a very welcome situation. It is hoped that an adequate percentage from the profits will be included in the expenditure to provide for the necessary Health and Safety aspects.
Tom Connor