Would it be absolute sacrilege to suggest that the tunnel should be opened out? It is without doubt the most pointless tunnel ever built - the towpath runs at normal level only 20 feet or so on open ground to the side of the tunnel! Much as I dislike concrete bridges over canals a thin short slab, with appropriate dressings, over the road section should provide adequate clearance without having to raise the road level. While I wouldn't normally encourage the destruction of a historic canal feature, the loss of this one would make such a huge difference to the facility of the canal and support the viability of the restoration plans for the line to Uttoxeter. I know I'm going to get flamed for this but it must be worth a debate! Tim Boddington (you see, I'm even prepared to put my name to it!)
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