The discussion about the Ridgacre Branch is an interesting one as BCN
records show this was the first canal construction project that Thomas
Telford chose to be come involved with.

At the time this canal was bisected by the new road, canal enthusiast tried
to highlight the historic importance of this waterway.

Matters were further highlighted when the Public House was built. It would
have provided ideal overnight moorings for boaters using the BCN.

Instead boats had the the choice of navigating an increasing silt laden
waterway to the winding hole on the opposite side of the new road.

Time moves on and people put history to the back of their minds. The
Ridgacre Branch was consigned to one of the many lost opportunities for
canalside development. However this waterway retains a link to the main
waterway network and as such is still a viable spot to residential moorings
and/ or short term moorings on a section of the original old main line from
Ryders Green

With the proper investment from and interested party there may still be a
future for the piece of the Old Main Line

Perhaps as enthusiasts as in addition to lobbying political parties, we
should keep our powder dry and look at alternatives to encourage canalside
development

Ray Shill