Kidsgrove Town Deal project: Canal enhancement

Kidsgrove has a strong coal mining and ironworks history, which were vital for regional and national industries.

The town retains a range of unique heritage assets including the 1.6 miles/2.6 km Harecastle Tunnel located on the Trent and Mersey Canal. The canal corridor has a unique character, not least because of its unusual orange colour. This is a natural discolouration due to groundwater containing iron oxide leaching into the canal. Iron oxide is a chemical compound composed of iron and oxygen. This often causes pigmentation and comes in many colours including orange, yellow, red, brown and black.

The canal is a great place to visit, and is popular with boaters, dog walkers, hikers, cyclists and people taking a shortcut to the station.

The proposals will protect and enhance the character of this part of the canal.