Urgent appeal to keep Tameside canal boat afloat

AN URGENT appeal has been launched to help ensure the operator of a canal pleasure boat in Ashton-under-Lyne can stay afloat.

A crowdfunding campaign is under way to raise at least £5,000 in a bid to save the Tameside Canal Boat Trust.

For 42 years, the Trust – a registered charity – has been a lifeline for the community, offering specialised boat trips on their adapted narrowboat, StillWaters.

Carrying around 25,000 passengers a year, the 51-seat boat – which is manned by volunteers – operates from Heritage Wharf in Portland Basin and is available for community groups, schools, public trips and private hire.

However, they have been hit with rising costs which mean the end of the boat is a real risk.

Now, a JustGiving page has been set up by the Trust to seek the public’s help – which has already raised over £800.

People can make a donation by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ellen-kelly

Ellen Kelly said: “We provide vital support to individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, veterans, and those facing social isolation. Our educational boat trips for schools bring waterway history to life.

“However, escalating operational costs, including mandatory waterway licences, mooring fees, and survey fees, threaten our existence. This means that countless individuals will be denied the therapeutic benefits of our boat trips, and a crucial piece of local heritage will be lost.

“Your generous donation will help us keep Tameside’s heritage afloat and ensure that our vital services continue to reach those who need them most.”

StillWaters – who charge £5 for adults and £3 for children – hope to run its first trips of the year during the February half-term holidays.

Places can be booked online at https://tamesidecanalboat.wordpress.com/