TWENTY-Five years ago, the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal was buzzing with activity, from regular organised towpath walks, to the Water Bus service and the annual fund-raising raft race.
A decade later, a new marina was created near the Don Valley Stadium, the canal basin became Victoria Quays, complete with redevelopment shops and new housing.
Today, on leaving the impressive Victoria Quays on a Tinsley-bound towpath walk, one word that springs to mind is 'neglect' from waterlogged stretches, to plenty of overgrown vegetation, graffiti and vandalism. Apart from the occasional cruise to Tinsley locks, the true potential of this waterway is fathoms away, a towpath refurbishment programme would be a good start.
A quarter of a century ago yes, it was a neglected Sheffield waterway but, in those days, we just seemed to do more with what we had.
Remember the many events raised thousands of pounds for good causes and the Water Bus service, well, just think of the environmental benefit that would bring back today!
Stephen Gay, Clipstone Road, Darnall.Main news indexYour letters.
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