WEAVER Vale MP Mike Amesbury is backing calls for more dredging on the River Weaver so larger craft – including historic vessels - can travel into Northwich to boost tourism.

Mr Amesbury believes improving the depth and flow of the river would also play its part in helping to prevent floods like those experienced in 2019 and 2021.

He and Northwich Mayor Cllr Sam Naylor recently attended a meeting with river experts including Dan Cross, founder of The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, who support enhanced dredging.

Northwich Guardian: A narrowboat at Baron’s Quay, Northwich, where larger craft, including historic vessels of interest, could moor if able to travel further up the River Weaver

A narrowboat at Baron’s Quay, Northwich, where larger craft, including historic vessels of interest, could moor if able to travel further up the River Weaver

They met aboard the 1903 steamship of that name, affectionately known as ‘The Danny’, which is a cruising and static visitor attraction, based on the river at Sutton Weaver.

Mr Amesbury said: "Dan from ‘The Danny’ and owners of Liverpool-based historic craft, plus other larger vessels, would love to navigate further up the River Weaver and especially all the way to Northwich town centre.

"It would generate a real buzz if boats and ships of historic interest were able to moor up at Barons Quay and run little shuttle trips – perhaps in conjunction with heritage events – and this could provide significant tourist benefits to Northwich and surrounding areas."

Northwich Guardian: A dredging vessel belonging to the Canal and River Trust on the River Weaver at Sutton Weaver

A dredging vessel belonging to the Canal and River Trust on the River Weaver at Sutton Weaver

Mr Amesbury has since written to the Canal and River Trust (CRT), which has responsibility for the River Weaver from below Winsford Bridge for navigational purposes.

He wrote: "Dredging over the navigation since the 80s has been limited.

"Dredging the river today would not only allow for larger vessels to return but would also go some way to mitigate flooding risk."

The Trust responded that on average it invests £1 million in dredging the River Weaver Navigation over a three-year period, with a reminder that it is not a flood risk management authority.

But Mr Amesbury suspects the CRT, a registered charity, may not be receiving sufficient Government funding to carry out its dredging duties so asked a Parliamentary question along those lines.

"I didn’t get a proper answer," he went on to say.

"The minister tried to claim there was no financial arrangement with CRT but in fact the charity receives core Government funding of about £50m per annum.

"Whether that’s sufficient is another question.

"If there was adequate dredging and maintenance of the Weaver then boats and ships like The Danny could go right into Northwich and that would be great in terms of the visitor attraction."