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Page 2, 1, 3,
4
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This is a summary of the Feasibility Study
prepared by Atkins Consultants
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What needs to be done
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 In order to reopen the Navigation to Driffield, it is
necessary to repair the locks at Wansford, Whinhill and Town Lock, and to
undertake remedial repairs to the walls and floor of Snakeholme lock.
Wansford Road Bridge needs to be replaced by a swing or lifting bridge
that would be electrically operated, and the bridges over Snakeholme and
Whinhill locks need to be replaced by hand operated lifting bridges.
The biggest problem for reopening the navigation is dredging of silt to
allow passage by pleasure boats, If this was laid on an international
football pitch, the pitch would be 13 metres (43 feet) deep in silt, It
will be necessary to find a way of disposing of this silt, Once
open, the Navigation could be used by cruisers and sailing boats like
those that use the River Ouse through York.
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Cost and Economic
Benefits
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It is estimated that the capital cost of the scheme would be approximately
£6.4 million, with annual maintenance and operating costs of £84,000 and
£32,000 respectively.
Economic benefits resulting from increased visitor spend in the area are
forecast at £310,000 per annum. It is estimated that half the
construction
cost will be spent in the local economy."
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Wildlife
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  An ecological appraisal has been undertaken for the seven mile stretch of the Navigation including an area of land extending 200 metres either side of the canal.
The appraisal involved the collection of data, consultations with organisations and interest groups and a walkover survey (where accessible) of the specific sections of canal in the data review
and consultation exercises. Opportunities for ecological enhancements have been identified as have possibilities for the mitigation of ecological constraints.
It is important to acknowledge that, if no restoration works are undertaken to this waterway; the condition of the canal will continue to deteriorate.
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Map of the Navigation
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Page 2, 1, 3, 4
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