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The Restoration of Spike Island
The wasteland clean-up starts in 1977.
High and dry in the Mersey mud. A local boat owner uses the entrance to the canal lock as a berth for his boat, 1966.
The first signs of improvement appear at the St. Helens Canal with this new footbridge linking the banks, 1977.
Urban dereliction against an industrial backcloth, Widnes double lock's, 1977.
The full state of dereliction on the canal bottom now it has been drained for the clean-up, 1977.
Part of the Sankey Canal before the clean-up, 1979.
At low tide the remains of the Mersey Flats can clearly be seen against the banks of Spike Island, 1982.
Wild habitat returns to Spike Island
West Bank received an award in the "Pride of Place” competition, which was organised by the Nationwide television programme and the Department of the Environment. It also picked up the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Award for the regeneration of Spike Island in 1979.
The beginning of the canal tow path, leading the 13 1/2 miles to St. Helens, July, 1982.
The Lock — back in operation again, leading across to Spike Island, July, 1982.
A section of the trail on Spike Island. The young trees are fenced off for protection, July, 1982.
The restored Widnes Lock. Lock 10 at Spike Island, July 1982.
Two women sitting on a bench in Widnes, November, 1988.
A scene of tranquillity on the Sankey Canal, 1982.
A lady cuts through the side of Albright & Wilsons, 1988.
Images (mirrorpox)
Approaching the wooden bridge from the
north side of the canal, 1982.
images by John Harper.
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