A canal towpath and historic aqueduct has reopened this week after being closed while Derbyshire County Council carried out essential repairs.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport reopened the 163-year-old aqueduct which carries the Cromford Canal over the Derby to Matlock railway line on Monday. He was joined by members of the Cromford Canal Partnership.

Repairs were carried out to the cast iron straps that held the structure together, the metal trough has been cleaned and painted with a protective paint system and the old timber towpath has been replaced with a new freestanding steel towpath.

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The aqueduct is a scheduled monument and is thought to be the only surviving example of a suspension girder bridge left in the country. Repairs were needed to address corrosion to the aqueduct and concerns about its long term stability.

The aqueduct's status as a scheduled monument means the county council has a duty to maintain it and all repairs must be approved by English Heritage.

Councillor Simon Spencer said: "The Cromford Canal is enjoyed by over 100,000 people each year so I'm pleased that we have been able to re-open it on time. I'm confident that the aqueduct can be safely enjoyed by visitors to Derbyshire for years to come."

(CD)