CONSERVATIONISTS have been working to uncover the town’s industrial heritage — and they believe the Bolton and Bury Canal could ultimately match Yorkshire’s famous Bingley Five-Rise Locks.

A party of volunteers have been battling through stormy weather to clear the towpaths and locks of the Bolton and Bury Canal.

The work was carried out as part of an ongoing project to restore the two sets of three locks, off Boscow Road, in Little Lever.

The Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal Society (MBBC) said volunteers made “great progress” over the weekend.

Harry Taylor, publicity officer for the society, said: “We have been working hard to clear the overgrown tow paths so walkers and cyclists can make the most of this canal.

"We have moved onto the area of canal near Nob End where we hopefully clear all of the locks and people can then see the profile of the landscape.”

The MBBC was formed in 1987 and aims to restore the canal through Bolton, Bury and Salford to join the national waterways network.

Conservationists says the Bolton and Bury Canal locks have the potential to become as impressive as the Bingley Five-Rise Locks in Yorkshire.

Mr Taylor added: “It’s fascinating to look at this section of the canal and imagine what it used to be like.

“As canal enthusiasts, we consider this the jewel in the crown and given more work it could be equally as impressive as the Bingley Locks.

“The volunteers have all given up their time to do this and we have made some fantastic progress.”

More information is available from Mr Taylor on 07926 795398.