Site Event/Activity record ECH5513 - Land at Weaver Parkway, Winsford

The HER was contacted in October 2012 concerning a small collapse on the slope overlooking the eastern bank of the Weaver to the north of Winsford. Further research indicated that this was the remains of one of three tunnels linking the Bostock Saltworks with the river bank and used to transport finished salt to the barges. These are well seen on an aerial photograph from the first half of the 20th century. This photo and others taken during the site visit are held on the S drive in the Winsford parish folder. Dave Sorry not to have got back to you sooner but what with one thing and another. Anyway, I was passing this morning and took the opportunity to make a quick visit to the site. I didn’t attempt to penetrate the very effective thorn barrier that now surrounds the tunnel but I think that I have a pretty good idea of the situation. Clearly the whole slope consists of re-deposited material and, to be honest, I’m not sure what more could reasonably and safely be done with regard to further recording (beyond the accurate grid reference that I was able to obtain and your photos). We will, however, add the info to the Historic Environment Record. Although, major reclamation has gone on across the area, I was still impressed by how many industrial features survive which might, I suppose, provide scope for further initiatives. I attach some photos that I took for interest and was particularly impressed by the 3G coverage in Winsford which allowed me to email them back to the office. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss matters further. Mark Mark Leah Development Control Archaeologist Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service Cheshire Shared Services Tel: 01244 973289 Email: mark.leah@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Location: The Forum, Chester CH1 2HS _____________________________________________ From: COOMER, David Sent: 05 October 2012 09:17 To: LEAH, Mark Subject: RE: Tunnel collapse at the Weaver Parkway, Winsford Hi Mark, No problem. Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers Dave David Coomer Greenspace Ranger, Weaver Parkway & Shakerley Mere Cheshire West and Chester Council Tel: 01606 593133; 07789 877279 Mobile Email: david.coomer@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Location: Weaver Parkway, Weaver Valley Road, Winsford, CW7 3BU Visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk -----Original Message----- From: LEAH, Mark Sent: 05 October 2012 08:23 To: COOMER, David Subject: RE: Tunnel collapse at the Weaver Parkway, Winsford Dave Thanks for this; very impressive. I’ll have a word with my colleagues concerning what recording we might reasonably be able to do and get back to you. Mark Leah Development Control Archaeologist Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service Cheshire Shared Services Tel: 01244 973289 Email: mark.leah@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Location: The Forum, Chester CH1 2HS _____________________________________________ From: COOMER, David Sent: 04 October 2012 14:56 To: LEAH, Mark Cc: BLACKLEDGE, Tony Subject: Tunnel collapse at the Weaver Parkway, Winsford Good afternoon Mark, Further to your telephone conversation with my colleague, Tony Blackledge, this afternoon, I have pleasure in attaching some annotated photographs to give you a brief idea of the tunnel collapse we discovered recently. The B/W photo from 1928 shows where we believe the exit was, and how it would have looked. The carbonising along the walls would seem to suggest candles or other lamps with naked flames. Naturally, I have edited them down in size to speed up delivery, but they should give you an idea. We were hoping to save it and shore it up as a bat roost, but whether this is feasible or practical we have yet to determine. Anyway, have a look and see what you think; if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us (details below). Should you wish to visit the site, you will need guiding to it as for H&S reasons we have covered the entrance. Regards, Dave << File: tunnel 1 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 2 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 4 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 5 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 7 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 8 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 9 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel 11 06.09.12.jpg >> << File: tunnel site 1928.jpg >> David Coomer Greenspace Ranger, Weaver Parkway & Shakerley Mere Cheshire West and Chester Council Tel: 01606 593133; 07789 877279 Mobile Email: david.coomer@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Location: Weaver Parkway, Weaver Valley Road, Winsford, CW7 3BU Visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk