A GROUP dedicated to the restoration of the historic waterways that were the lifeblood of the industrial revolution in the North West has launched a campaign to find missing canal milestones.

The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society wants to find up to 30 missing stones which were planted every quarter-mile bearing the letter “M” followed by the distance in miles to the start of the canal at the River Irwell in Salford.

There were more than 60 of them originally, and today 30 are still in place along the canal towpath.

The milestones are large pieces of sandstone and, when out of the ground, the larger ones measure 20 inches (50cm) wide, 10 inches (20cm) deep and 44 inches (1.1m) tall.

They weigh about 660 lbs (300kgs) and are not easy to move.

Two have already been unearthed by the society, but chairman Dr Paul Hindle says some may be buried under earth which now fills part of the canal.

“Last year we found and removed one from a garden in Bolton and we have now removed another,” he said. “It was in the garage of the former chairman.”

The bid to find more milestones is part of a long-term plan by the society to restore the canal to its former glory for the benefit of the local community.

Dr Hindle added: “It has to be long term, because to do it properly you would have to throw about £100 million at it.”

Dr Hindle said he was proud of the work the society had carried out at Nob End, Little Lever, where a picnic area has been created near the Meccano Bridge.

“Already a lot of people are enjoying what is a fantastic amenity and we just hope, as the economy gets going again, we can do a lot more.”

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of other mile-stones can contact the society chairman, Dr Paul Hindle, on 0161 7231433.