RESIDENTS have shared their sadness at the ‘poor state’ of Spike Island.

The canal bed is ‘virtually dry’ after the recent hot weather and visitors of the Widnes beauty spot say this is partly due to the source of water being cut off at Fidlers Ferry back in 2020.

Pictures show the shocking state of what used to be the canal and the absence of fish and swans that used to populate it.

One unhappy resident said: "It is so upsetting when I go down to Spike Island these days to see how the council has let it get into such a poor state.

“The canal bed is virtually dry because its source of water has been cut off, which has led to the majority of the swans and all of the fish being taken away. 

Runcorn and Widnes World: The canal beds are dried-out

“We are short on beauty spots/wildlife reserves in Widnes so please Halton Council step up to the job and sort this out."

Responding to the state of Spike Island, a spokesperson for Halton Borough Council said: "The Council remains fully committed to the long-term future of the Sankey Canal and Spike Island, and a programme of work is planned."

The latest update is as follows:

  • Repairs to canal structure/walls/copings and vegetation removal. Following recommendations made in the condition survey in December, the council commissioned the engineering consultancy to provide work documents for tender, due to the engineering nature of the tasks. This package of tender information has now been provided. The works package will now be tendered (four-six weeks turnaround) with a view to appointing a contractor to do the works.
  • These works are extensive and will need to be programmed over more than a year.
  • Towpath link from Spike Island / Boat Club to swing bridge location. Work to create a better footpath link to accommodate more users, including cyclists has started this week.
  • Restoring a water supply to the canal is a much more difficult matter and a supply will have to come from beyond the Halton Boundary. We are continuing to work with our colleagues at Warrington Borough Council to find a solution to this problem.

The Spike Island issues come after numerous reports across not only the north west but the whole country last week about dried-out water and thousands of dead fish.

Just down the road in Warrington, hundreds of dead fish were spotted along the surface of the Mersey last week. A number were also spotted ‘distressed’ and ‘gasping for air’.

The Environmental Agency has spoken out about the impacts of the dry weather.

A spokesperson said: “Due to recent dry weather Environment Agency teams have seen an increase in reports to the incident hotline over the last few days about fish in distress, algal blooms and low water levels across the north west. 

“The Environment Agency works hard to balance the water needs of people, business, farmers and the environment working with United Utilities and other abstractors, such as farmers to protect water resources and ensure they take precautionary action to balance the needs of water users and the environment.

“During dry weather it is even more important that water is used efficiently.”

Jim Ratcliffe, environment agency environment manager, added: “Environment Agency teams have been working hard to respond to dry weather environmental impacts and we will continue to respond to reports of fish in distress, algal blooms and low water levels across the North West. 

“We thank the public for alerting us to any incidents so we can investigate and take action and encourage everyone to use our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060 to help us protect the environment.”