Anderton Boat Lift to reopen over Easter after £450k repairs

Cheshire's 'Cathedral of Canals' had to shut suddenly in August last year as a problem emerged in one of the gate safey mechanisms.

But Canal & River Trust engineers have been working over the winter to install new safety systems in each of the lift's five sets of gates.

The pair of giant hydraulic ram cylinders, which support the metal tank caissons, have also been given a much-needed overhaul.

Now, after a break of more than seven months, the waterways charity will resume operating the boat lift for private boaters and public cruises aboard the Edwin Clark trip boat.

The blue trip boat at the Anderton Boat Lift (Image: Canal & River Trust)

Anderton Visitor Centre manager Phil Gibson said: "It is brilliant to have the boat lift operational again after it had to be shut unexpectedly last August due to a problem with one of the gate safety mechanisms.

"Riding through the Victorian boat lift gives visitors a special thrill and a unique sense of the rich waterway history of the area.

"It will be wonderful to see it working again, transporting boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation, as it has done since 1875.

"We are looking forward to a fantastic 2023 season, with some great special events in the pipeline, including a special Steam Festival over the Coronation weekend."

The Easter weekend heralds the start of an exciting summer season for the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre.

Side view of the caissons operating at the Anderton Boat Lift (Image: Canal & River Trust)

Over the bank holiday, chocolate treats will be on offer for children taking part in a special spring treasure hunt and for motor enthusiasts there will be classic car shows on Easter Sunday and Monday.

Public boat trips through the lift and along the River Weaver to Northwich will be available four times a day at 10am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 3pm.

For more information about visiting, call 01606 786777.

Entrance to the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre and café are free, but boat trips need to be booked in advance to guarantee a place.