Bid for more improvements to 19th Century boatyard

The Canal and River Trust has applied to carry out more restoration work at a 19th Century canalside yard in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

The group has described Ellesmere Yard, which opened in 1806, as "one of the best‑preserved canal maintenance yards in the country" and, with the help of government funding, is in the process of carrying out repairs and conservation.

The trust has applied to Shropshire Council to make changes including the addition of accessible ramps, footpaths and a new storage building.

They have also asked for a new car park and to change the use of some of the buildings into offices, craft units, shops, visitor areas and education spaces.

The trust said the yard, which sits on the Llangollen Canal, "has been a key part of the region's canal maintenance network since its establishment".

The current restoration work is being carried out with the help of a £113,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The efforts include the replacement of a roof with slate, gutter repairs, work on 17 of the original windows, timber repairs, the redecoration of a weigh station and repairs to a chimney.

"The project will help ensure Ellesmere Yard continues to be a working place where people can learn new skills, volunteer and get involved with their local canal," a The trust spokesperson said.

That work is due to be completed next month.

The group's latest application, lodged with Shropshire Council on 15 April, also includes requests to carry out landscaping work and demolish a number of garages at the site entrance and will be decided on at a later date.

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