RESTORATION work to repair and restore the Nantwich Aqueduct ‘back to its former glory’ will resume in September.

Work on the Grade ll* listed building was postponed back in March to avoid disruption for local businesses during the summer and to allow additional funds to be raised.

The £200,000 restoration project is due to begin on September 14, and could take up to eight weeks.

Marc Evans, project manager, said: “For almost two centuries this iconic aqueduct has carried boats over the Chester Road but, like many historic building, it requires specialist conservation repairs from time to time.

“The planned work will bring the aqueduct back to its former glory as an impressive gateway to the town.”

The restoration project involves crucial repairs to the structure, new signage and painting and the removal of overgrown vegetation.

The aqueduct comprises a cast iron trough supported by six cast iron arch ribs. It is structurally sound but is in need of urgent maintenance and restoration.

All of the work will be carried out by the Canal and River Trust, the waterways charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales.

The project has been funded largely through public donations of £135,000 to the Canal and River Trust, plus a £40,000 grant from Cheshire East Council, £20,000 from Nantwich Town Council, £3,000 from Acton, Edleston and Henhull parish councils and £2,000 from the Nantwich Partnership.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Michael Jones, said: “This is an important investment in the preservation of our historical landmarks and monuments in Cheshire East.

“We are fortunate to have such a popular waterways network in the borough.

“There is a vibrant tourist economy surrounding our waterways and the Nantwich Aqueduct restoration project is crucial to the continuing growth of that economy.”

The B5341 Chester Road at the cross roads of Welsh Row and Taylor Drive will be temporarily closed from September 14 to November 9 while the work is being carried out.

Diversions will be in place along the A51, Barony Road, Beam Street (A530) and Waterlode (A534).

Pedestrian access will remain beneath the aqueduct and the canal towpath will have to be diverted. Canal navigation will be unaffected.