The Burslem Port Trust - the voluntary group planning to restore and reopen the old Burslem Branch Canal in Middleport is running a special community event, ‘Burslem Connects’ on Wednesday, March 23, from 10am to 3pm.
Join the Trust and a wide range of other community groups and organisations to meet, discuss, share and learn what the future holds for Burslem and Middleport’s arts, heritage, community buildings and projects. Local residents are being invited to drop in to Tommy Cheadle’s (Vale Social) at the Port Vale Foundation, Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW – located on car park C. The event is a chance to meet representatives from Burslem Port Trust, Burslem Neighbourhood Forum, Middleport Matters, Our Burslem, Barewall Gallery, the Port Vale Foundation and Re-Form Heritage – the charity that regenerated and manages Middleport Pottery and will soon be opening Harper Street Victorian terrace.
Project Manager for Burslem Port Trust, Laura Wigg-Bailey, said: “The event is aimed at sharing what each group has to say about their individual projects and hear what the people affected think about the proposed ideas. Burslem Port Trust is blessed with two Patrons – one of whom is Ian Dudson – Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire. Ian will be attending the event at 12pm and so, as the Queen’s representative, we are thrilled to have him with us to share his thoughts.”
The Trust hopes to increase awareness of the Burslem Branch Canal, with the eventual aim of restoration and new waterside facilities to deliver sustainable leisure, tourism and a boost to the local economy.
Port Vale FC is kindly sponsoring the occasion by providing the venue and a shirt signed by the First Team which will be given to one lucky person who attends the event. All those who take part in the Burslem Port Trust consultation will also receive an exclusive, hand-printed tote bag with artwork by acclaimed local artists ‘We are Culla’.
Those with an interest in these proposals are invited to comment via our online survey, available from 10am on the day of the event: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TM2SYZY
