A PUBLIC open day will be held this month ahead of the £200,000 restoration of the Nantwich Aqueduct.

The Canal and River Trust will be carrying out the repairs, which are due to start at the end of March, and is taking over a market stall in Nantwich Square on Thursday, February 19 to inform the public.

The 10-week project will see the temporary closure of the A534 Chester Road, which runs underneath the aqueduct.

Sarah Lalieu, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Nantwich Aqueduct is a Grade II* listed building, built by Thomas Telford in 1826, and forms an important gateway to Nantwich.

“For almost two centuries it has carried boats and water over the Chester Road but, like any historic building, it requires careful and specialist repairs from time to time.

“The work to the aqueduct combines 21st century knowledge with heritage skills that have changed little in 200 centuries.

“The project will keep Nantwich Aqueduct in first class working order and ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”

Work will include removing several layers of old paint from the aqueduct’s cast iron trough, replacing a missing cast iron panel, repairing the stone and brickwork and an extensive re-paint.

The aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal, which will remain open to navigation throughout the project.

However the towpath that runs alongside the canal will be closed to walkers and cyclists.

The project is funded through largely through £135,000 of public donations to the Canal and River Trust.

The trust has also received £40,000 from Cheshire East Council, £20,000 from Nantwich Town Council, £3,000 from, Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Council and £2,000 from the Nantwich Partnership.

Anyone who would like to support the restoration of the canals and the conservation of this Grade II* listed aqueduct can become a Friend of the Canal and River Trust online at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk or by phoning 0303 040 4040.

For those who cannot make the open day they can email sarah.lalieu@canalrivertrust.org.uk for additional information.