30th October 2003 - It would seem that
the Fettlers Wharf marina at Rufford is now open to canal
boats. The remainder of the opening in the towpath has
been excavated and the access ramps for the new footbridge
to cross the opening are well underway. There are a number
of barges now moored in the marina. Until the towpath
via the new footbridge is opened the footpath has been
temporarily diverted through the marina itself.
Sadly
no official news on progress but our man on the ground
estimates that Fettlers Wharf is now about one quarter
depth with pumping from the canal now restored. (The breach
of the canal at Parbold would seem to have been repaired
as water is now flowing around the locks in the overflow
ducts).
He
states "The canal level appears to be normal however
due to demand for water by marina pumping has to be done
in stages so as not to take too much from canal"
adding "Pile driving of the marina opening into the
canal will probably begin on Monday followed by the erection
of footbridge on towpath".
The filling of Fettlers Wharf Marina has just started
- The water is being extracted from the Leeds & Liverpool
Canal and the process is being carefully monitored by
the canal authority, in conjunction with the developers.
In view of the recent loss of water from the canal syrtem
at Parbold progress may be slower than was originally
intended.
Fettlers
Wharf Marina is to be situated in the heart of Lancashire
on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in the quaint village
of Rufford on Station Road. The Marina can be accessed
by several different routes, trains, buses and road. The
A59 from Liverpool is easily accessible also M6 Junction
No. 27 is 15 minutes drive from the Marina. Fettlers Wharf
is located on the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool,
canal giving access to Tarleton, River Douglas, Ribble
link to Lancaster, Burscough main line, Liverpool, Leeds,
London and all the network.
The facilities and amenities for Fettlers Wharf Marina,
will include top of the range moorings, toilets, showers,
laundry, lounge, diesel, pump out and parking in a secure
and rural location providing an ideal mooring for all
boaters.
Other features available to the general public will include
restaurant and tea rooms, all being accessible for the
disabled.
Fettlers Wharf will be exclusively landscaped and at all
times take into consideration the environment. Fettlers
Wharf of course, will open up job opportunities within
Rufford and the surrounding area.
Fettlers Wharf plans to start work in early spring 2003
and aims for completion in the summer of 2003 providing
moorings for 100 boats in an ideal location. Reservations
are now being taken.
