More Than 'just A Canal'
The Millennium Commission agreed to fund the Millennium Ribble Link as a community project for a Linear Water Park that included "such things as landscaping, artworks, heritage interpretation, foot and cycle paths, habitat creation and nature areas... something millennial and not just 5 miles of canal".
Funding of £75,000 secured from the Millennium Commission for a community boat for the Millennium Ribble Link for use by the local community for educational purposes enabled the purchase of a tip boat, which was taken to the Nantwich Canal Centre for refurbishment and to be made accessible for wheelchairs. She was renamed ‘Millennium Swiftsure’, a name derived from a 19th century packet boat, part of the original passenger carrying service that ran on the Lancaster Canal for many years after the introduction of trains. The Millennium Swiftsure was subsequently never used on the Millennium Ribble Link and moved to Lancaster to be used as a water taxi.
Throughout the development 'Angling' was seen and promoted as a beneficiary of the scheme, as fishing had been a traditional pastime on the Savick Brook. The Millennium Ribble Link is one of the very few water courses in the UK where Fishing is not allowed. British Waterways do not allow angling on the Millennium Ribble Link.
LWS Lancashire Environmental Fund – "the contribution (£250,000) is intended to support wider public amenity elements of the proposal, such as public access and enhanced natural habitats." ... "acknowledge the support of the Fund (using the full title "LWS Lancashire Environmental Fund' in any ... appropriate materials"
The Millennium Commission contributed £3,300 for Visitor Seating for enhancement and enjoyment, commissioned from recycled materials and installed in 2007. Lancashire County Council contributed £80,000 to tarmac the cycle route along part of the Millennium Ribble Link, from Tudor Avenue to the Lancaster Canal and connect with the national cycle network.
An important piece of land, a traditional hay meadow, adjoining the Savick Brook either side of Savick Way, between Locks 4 and 5, was identified as MG4 classification of 'national, county and local significance'.
The Millennium Commission provided a £30,000 grant for public enjoyment and enhancement of the hay meadow.
"The (Millennium) Commission is to be satisfied in all respects regarding the operation and future maintenance of the hay meadow element of the Enhancement Project. A deed of dedication is to be provided by Preston Borough Council to the Commission's satisfaction prior to the release of any Enhancement Project Grant". .
British Waterways used the £30,000 grant to replace the perimeter fencing with a new 'recycled material' fence. Repairs, required where dredging vehicles access was required have been made using traditional wood.
A public Right of way, Footpath 70 from Lea Road, adjacent to the Ribble Link across the hay meadow and at one time under the railway line but was terminated west of the Railway Line when Tom Benson Way was constructed and the tunnel enclosed.
Originally an outdoor school classroom was part of the development and located along the Millennium Ribble Link, incorporating the hay meadow. This was subsequently amended to be included inside the grounds of the local primary school by moving the perimeter fence. "The creation of the Link was not only for the sole purpose of the boating community, it was also created to add additional dimensions to meet the aspirations of the local community."
The outdoor classroom at Ashton Primary School features three carved wooden benches and an information board telling pupils about wildlife on the canal.
The hay meadow created nearby will provide a haven for wildflowers and insects.
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