South Yorkshire Times February 8, 1958

“Cyclists in Continual Danger of Drowning”
Dangers of Canal Side Paths
Swinton Boatyard Owner States His Views

A danger spot for cyclists where the path from Swinton to Kilnhurst leads through Waddington’s boat yard at Swinton

“Hordes of cyclists travelling down the path which leads from Swinton Boatyard to Kilnhurst going to and from work are in continual danger of losing their lives through drowning,” states Mr. E. V. Waddington, the owner of the yard.

A Warning

Mr. Waddington told a ” South Yorkshire Times”  reporter this week that the path was not defined as a footpath on maps under recent legislation and said cyclists using this approach would be well advised to be very careful as, if the path became a public ‘ footpath ” there was a possibility that they might be summoned for cycling on a public footpath as is the case with the alternative new walk.

Mr. Waddington said the path by the canal was dangerous from end to end, and there had been instances where cyclists had fallen into the dry dock at the yard, sometimes when the dock was full of water and occasionally when it was empty. At other times cyclists had knocked workmen, intent on their jobs into the dock.

He also commented that the path was equally dangerous further down the bank. The path was only a few feet wide, with the canal on one side and a precipitous fall into a dyke on the other aide.

It was reported in our last issue that the Swinton Urban Council had decided to make a rough survey of the footpath with a view to a detailed report giving the approximate cost of constructing a proper road throughout the entire length of the path.

A Big Job

Mr. Waddington said that this would involve the steel piling of the dyke and fencing on both sides for safety. He also said that the British Transport Commission would always reserve the right to stop this path for unlimited periods in order to carry out repairs to their canal bank.

Mr. Waddington also referred to a meeting between members of the Swinton Council, the unions of employees using the path to reach Kilnhurst and the West Riding County Council, when, he said, it was suggested that a bridge be made over the canal at the bottom of the Dearne and Dove Locks to divert people to the other side of the canal, thereby avoiding the danger of anyone falling into the dock.