28th October 2025
When walking south of Tapton Mill Bridge (1) this sight was revealed – note the Crooked Spire.
Contractors were working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council to clear out the short stretch of the canal that runs from the start, where it leaves the River Rother, to the floodgate. This was completely silted up after several floods. In parts the water was only 8″ deep.
A long reach digger was dredging everything out …..
….. and then putting it into a dumper.
This reversed over Tapton Mill Bridge – note the aforementioned floodgate.
It then dumped the muck on the off bank …..
….. before returning for the next load.
Although this was the first day, there was already a sizeable pile of sludge and general detritus building up.
A close up for all sludge fans.
The contractors were the Rothen Group. They expect the job to last a week.