2007 Silt Removal
Finally, specialist contractors Celtic Technologies moved onto site during summer 2007, to lift and treat the contaminated silt.
The solution adopted saw 1800m3 of the silt taken from the canal, and processed on site in accordance with Herefordshire Council and Environment Agency requirements. The treated material was then used safely as inert fill in the bases of new roadway and car park hard standings within the park, saving a great many lorry movements onto the surrounding roads.
The Hereford Times reported on progress in late June 2007 and Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s new Cabinet member for Economic Development and Community Services, said he was very pleased with progress so far.
“Local people have already begun to enjoy the Park but once the Canal has been restored and the car park built, the Park will attract more families from the wider community………The Aylestone Park Association is helping us fund raise to keep the project going. We are extremely grateful to the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Trust and Community Payback who, between them, have undertaken all the footpath and fencing work. Cleaning and opening up the Canal is particularly exciting and will provide the catalyst for further developments at Holmer Industrial Park and the Edgar Street Grid in years to come.”
Photo Gallery showing the silt removal
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