driffield navigation guide

A Summary of the Study of the Navigation

The Driffield Navigation

The Driffield Navigation (referred to as a "Navigation" as it Contains sections of Canal and navigable river) was authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1767, spurred by the expansion in agricultural production and processing during the 18th Century. Commissioners were appointed by the Act to develop the Navigation and on 25th May 1770 it was reported that the line was open throughout its full length from Driffield to Fisholme. The Navigation consisted of four timber floored locks, (Sheepwash, now Town Lock) at Driffield, at Whinhill, at Wansford and at Snakeholme, Later improvements added another lock at Struncheon Hill.

The navigation traded for over 200 years but the advent of the railways and the diesel lorry gradually took trade away and the last cargo carrying boat reached Driffield in 1945. With no tolls to fund maintenance the Navigation declined. By the late 1960's passage beyond Brigham Bridge was impossible.

However a new bridge was installed at Brigham in 2002. Once again boats can reach Snakeholme locks, which are now being restored.

Riverhead Driffield

Because the navigation was built for the public good, rather than for profit, it was administered by Commissioners who had to appoint replacement Commissioners as necessary. When the navigation became moribund This did not occur and the last Commissioner died in 1972. However in 1978 the Charity Commissioners appointed new commissioners under the 1767Act. These newly appointed Commissioners and their successors are responsible for the Navigation today.

The Atkins Study

The Feasibility study was prepared by Atkins Consultants in response to a commission from East Riding of Yorkshire Council on behalf of the Driffield Area Partnership and the Driffield Navigation Trust, It was funded by the Single Regeneration Budget.

The study was to determine the viability of improving and renovating the Navigation and to determine whether restoration is worth pursuing further.

What needs to be done

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.

Cost and Economic Benefits

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."

Wildlife

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.

Involvement of the Community

The restored waterway will provide a valuable resource for residents and businesses in Driffield and surrounding villages. Schools and Youth groups will be able to use the Navigation for activities and as an educational resource.

There will be opportunities for local people to be involved in the restoration itself, whether as volunteer labour or by getting involved in associated projects such as wildlife protection or the promotion of an art trail along the Navigation. It is important that those promoting the restoration explore with the community what the local residents want out of the scheme.

It may be appropriate for a local group to run a community barge, either as a static exhibition or as a mobile activity centre.

In addition, there are proposals to create a high quality pedestrian route between River Head and Driffield Town Centre. Atkins see this as a key project for community involvement, with residents influencing the route, the design and any public open spaces or sculptures along the route,

Management systems

With regard to management, It is essential that the Driffield Navigation Trust is robust yet accountable.

Therefore, it is recommended to create new vertical structures that substantiate the functions of the Driffield Navigation Trust, including the creation of a Steering Group, to give the Trusts activities and decisions the necessary accountability. A Canal Manager should be recruited to implement the decisions of the Commissioners and to initiate routine operations.

There is also an argument for subcontracting the operational management to an organization that is proficient in maintenance duties. The role of the local government in the project is, at present, unclear.

The majority of the restoration work could be completed by professional contractors tendered by the Canal Manager, with operation and maintenance being the responsibility of the Commissioners, primarily through the Canal Manager by contractors. However, it will be necessary to consider the legal implications of any voluntary work carried out as there would be liability concerns.

For the Navigation to be successful in its new function, an effective set of byelaws will be required that are enforceable, take account of modern uses, mutually reinforce other legislation and that can be implemented by the Driffield Navigation Trust.

Funding

Wansford BridgeWe have identified a number of organisations who should be approached for funding.

Relevant sources of funding are likely to include the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Funds and many more.

Recomendations

It is recommended that the Driffield Navigation be restored to navigation to Riverhead.

This will require the restoration of all locks, the replacement of Snakeholme, Wansford and Whinhill bridges with lifting structures, and the management of Town Lock in a manner to protect the amenity of the adjacent residence.

Riverhead Driffield We consider That West Beck should not at this stage be restored and boating on This section should not be encouraged. The full report recommends various tasks be undertaken to enable the restoration to take place.

It is also recommended that the scope for transporting recyclable materials and waste on the Driffield Navigation be explored.

If you wish to consult a copy of the full Feasibility Study, or if you require further information about any aspect relating to the Driffield Navigation please send details of your query to:

Driffield Navigation
c/o The Access Centre
Market House
Exchange Street
Driffield
YO25 6LL 

A copy of the full report is also available for reference in Driffield Library. 

This summary was prepared by Atkins Consultants, February 2003