The first is the £800,500 renovation of Cromford Canal and the second the completion of the £3.5 million refurbishment of the parkland of the district.

Having these projects in mind and to take advantage of them it would seem appropriate to revisit a suggestion which the writer aired in your columns some years ago, namely that of the desirability of the creation of a riverside trail on the left bank of the Derwent extending from the Park Head at Matlock as far as Cromford Bridge where it would terminate within a stone's throw of Cromford Canal Wharf and the Arkwright Project Unit of the Derwent Valley Mills Heritage.

It was envisaged that the trail would be for walkers and the disabled in wheelchairs and, if considered appropriate, for leisure cyclists.

Much of the route is already in the hands of the local authority and has eminently suitable pathways or potential for their provision – it was suggested that the remainder of the necessary route might be obtained as a concession by negotiation with the owners of the land required to be crossed.

As a first stage of a project with potential to be extended upstream at a later time, perhaps even as far as Chatsworth eventually, it would provide a tourist asset of inestimable value to the community and would considerably boost the attraction of the area both to short stay and longer term visitors.

There is considerable advantage to be seen in the accessibility of such a trail both from the A6 highway and the stations on the rail link between Matlock and Derby the various points of access being at intervals convenient to the short distance or longer distance walker.

At each point there is access to parking and refreshment facilities and hotel accommodation is also plentiful within easy reach in Matlock and Matlock Bath.

The scenic beauty and tranquility of the entire route from Ambergate to Matlock together with its passage through nature reserves and the value and interest of its re-emergent wildlife goes without saying as does its immediate connection with the industrial history at certain adjacent points.

There are also several river bridges for pedestrian use within Matlock Bath so one might say that practically every taste is catered for.

As to funding it is recognised that such developments do not come cheap but the Heritage Lottery Fund Trustees tend to look with favour upon such projects particularly in areas rich in the nation's history. The European Union might advantageously be approached for financial support as might an appeal for Local Patronage.

As a means of boosting the local economy the scheme has much in its favour and it is hoped the necessary support for it will be forthcoming in continuation of the initiatives already begun.

R Wood,
Cromford.