Miliband afloat on South Yorkshire waterways

HE might have been sunk in the general election, but Dearne Valley MP Ed Miliband was keeping safely afloat when he took a closer look at the area’s waterways.

The Doncaster North MP turned his hand to lock keeping when he visited Sprotbrough Lock on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire navigations to find out more about the work of the Canal and River Trust.

The visit saw Mr Miliband discussing how the CRT is trying to get more young people involved with their local waterways and how canals and rivers, highlighting how this can bring a range of benefits such as encouraging healthy lifestyles.

He also learned about the use of the region's waterways for the movement of freight and even helped operate the lock to enable the Humber Princess, a tanker capable of carrying 500 tonnes, to travel upstream.

“It was fantastic to meet the team who manage Sprotbrough Lock and see for myself the results of the recent improvement works,” said Mr Miliband.

Jon Horsfall, waterway manager for the Canal and River Trust, said: “We really enjoyed welcoming Mr Miliband to Sprotbrough Lock and to show him some of the exciting things that are happening on waterways in the area.

“It’s a great time on the waterways, with record numbers of people visiting, volunteering and even adopting their local stretch, and Mr Miliband was really interested in our efforts locally to get more and more people of all ages involved with their nearest canal or river.

“It was a great opportunity to show how our waterways still play an important role in daily life, providing a tranquil escape, offering places for exercise and healthy living and supporting local industry.”