A £2 million project to restore a historic canal bridge has been hit by delays but is still set to be completed later this year.

The Hazlehurst Bridge near Endon was irreparably damaged when water was drained from the Caldon Canal to carry out repairs to the Hazlehurst Bottom Lock in March 2020.

Pressure built up behind the dam wall that was constructed near the bridge's foundations, causing damage to the bridge – which then had to be demolished for safety reasons.

The bridge had to be demolished for safety reasons in 2020 (LDR).

In August 2022 a year-long project began to rebuild the structure, which provides both vehicle and pedestrian access across the canal for farmers, residents and boaters.

The Canal and River Trust says the new bridge's appearance will be in keeping with the old bridge – matching its location, scale and character – and will use much of the original stone masonry.

Construction work is being carried out by Stoke-on-Trent engineering contractor Kier, and while it's underway the canal has been closed for boaters.

Work on the bridge began in August 2022 (LDR).

The trust has confirmed the waterway will now reopen from 6th April, but some restrictions will remain in place until 19th May.

There will be a height limit of 2.1m (a reduction of around 30cm) and boaters will only be allowed through during set times of the day.

They say passage will only be permitted 9-10am and 1.30-2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

A temporary car park area has been created for people mooring at Hazlehurst, and a temporary pedestrian bridge has also been constructed to maintain access for people walking along the canal.

The waterway is set to reopen on 6 April (LDR).

Project manager Ian Bogges, said: "Repairs to the canal wall on the southern side of the bridge have taken slightly longer than expected as they have been more complex than we had planned prior to the start of the physical construction works.

"However, they will be completed and the canal back open for boating in time for the Easter weekend.

"The overall project to restore Hazlehurst Bridge is still on track to be completed this summer.

"The towpath will remain closed from the junction with the Leek Branch (Hazlehurst Junction), running south east to Hazlehurst Aqueduct until mid-July.

"The public right of way on the access pathway towards the bridge from Leek Old Road will also be closed for the duration of the works. Footpath and towpath diversion signs are in place."

Work on the bridge is expected to be completed this summer (LDR).

Moorlands MP Karen Bradley visited the site a few months ago, and commented: "I was really pleased to see the work to rebuild the bridge, which was a victim of severe weather a couple of years ago.

"The Canal and River Trust do such good work to maintain the waterways and it was great to hear about this project and the other work they are doing.

"The canals are a really important asset in the Moorlands and it is good to know that they are in safe hands."

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