WATERLOGGED canal towpaths in Skipton are to receive a facelift using an experimental surface.

British Waterways is responding to complaints about the town's towpaths turning into a muddy quagmire in wet weather.

Many walkers are said to be diverting to other routes through Skipton to avoid the giant "puddles" created at the side of the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

The main problem areas are between the swingbridge near Hall Croft and the Victoria Mill apartments.

Narrowboat companies which work various sections of the canal say the conditions are unpleasant for the tourists and holidaymakers who hire their vessels.

Judith Hughes, of Pennine Boat Trips, said: "As yet I have not seen any improvements on the towpaths which are churned up into a muddy mess when it's rainy.

"Walkers and tourists using the paths get absolutely filthy and local residents go around the long way and use the roads.

"The canal walks are a lovely feature to have in Skipton and it will be even nicer if the towpaths are made more pleasant to walk on.

"But, over this past winter, British Waterways have really gone to town on trimming back the trees which overhang the canal.

"The branches can be dangerous if they poke through narrowboat windows as they go past. But they have done an excellent job of getting rid of them."

David Blackburn, of British Waterways, said: "Basically there is a very large puddle covering the towpath when it's wet.

"We have had a few comments about it and we have done the work once before but it didn't last very long.

"Next week we are starting again and will be experimenting with a new form of re-cycled Tarmac which may work better.

"It's difficult to get suitable materials which will stick properly. A lot of people who work at the Craven District Council use the path to get to work and they have noticed how bad it's got."

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