A GROUP of anglers are celebrating their latest success in a bid to clean up the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal.

The Little Britain Anglers club, which was formed this summer, has just completed its 10th work party weekend, clearing away weeds and improving the water flow from the canal’s feeder reservoir at Elton.

Up to 12 members have been joining each session to remove weeds, reeds and silt, working with the Canal and River Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of the nation’s waterways.

Vice chairman Michael Dodman said: “Much of the water coming off Elton Reservoir was running over the weeds and straight into the River Irwell. Very little was going into the canal and this was reducing the water flow and allowing weeds and reeds to grow at an alarming rate. A lot of the canal was unfishable.

“After the first work party, we noticed the water had started to move and by the second day you could see a big difference. We dropped in a rod at a few test spots and were very happy to see the float trot along like a small river.

“We can't say our work has improved the whole stretch down to the breach dam, but we do think the water quality is noticeably better and we are very optimistic for the future.”

The 15-mile long canal, which was used mainly for shipping coal, fell into disuse after the closure of mines across the region.

The trust's fisheries and angling manager John Ellis added: “The increased flow helps to reduce the amount of duckweed and improve conditions for wildlife. The greater the water depth, the less likely fish will run out of oxygen.

“It’s great to see the enthusiasm of the Little Britain Anglers members. The work they are doing in partnership with the trust is already beginning to lead to improved conditions on the canal for fish, other wildlife, anglers and the general public."