The Greater Manchester canal locks which 'should be a world heritage site'

A stretch of canals in Greater Manchester should become a world heritage site, an MP has claimed. The Marple sections of the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals as well as the Marple Aqueduct and Viaduct, are " jewels of our waterways" and living examples of the area's "proud industrial heritage", Lisa Smart, who represents the Hazel Grove constituency, has said.

During a debate in parliament on funding for the canals, she called for the 16 locks in Marple to get " recognition they truly deserve." She said: "I want to make the case for the 16-lock flight in Marple to be designated as a world heritage site. It is an extraordinary testament to our industrial and engineering heritage that represents a pivotal era in Britain’s industrial past.

"Such recognition would not only attract global interest and boost local tourism, but ensure that the locks are protected and celebrated for generations to come."

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Marple Aqueduct is a Grade-I Listed structure and Scheduled Ancient Monument. Built in 1800, and the highest canal adqeduct in England, it carries the Peak Forest Canal over the River Goyt. The 112m long structure consists of three semi-circular masonry arches 30m above the valley.

The Marple Viaduct runs parallel to the Aqueduct and carries the railway one hundred and twenty-four feet above the River Goyt.

The Viaduct was constructed in 1865, 65 years after the Aqueduct, and only took a year to build. It comprises twelve stone arches and a steel girder bridge that turns to carry the line diagonally over the canal.

The Viaduct, like the 16 canal locks in Marple, is Grade II listed. During the Westminster Hall