New Leeds-Liverpool Canal phone app launched (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

New Leeds-Liverpool Canal phone app launched

9:00am Sunday 14th October 2012 in News By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

The history behind a famous stretch of waterway is now available to discover, thanks to new technology.

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal, between Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Saltaire World Heritage Site, is the subject of a new phone application unveiled at the weekend.

The app is the first of its kind on the canal network and has been developed by the Canal and River Trust to reveal the history of the canal, which brought prosperity to the region when it was built more than 200 years ago, and highlight today’s flourishing waterway wildlife and tourism.

A walking trail between Bingley and Saltaire also features on the app to direct visitors to the nearest cafes, pubs and public transport links to and from the canal.

It was on display at the Five Rise Cafe, where visitors got the chance to test it out, and it is now available to download from iTunes.

Steve Higham, of the Canal and River Trust, said: “The app will drastically improve the visitor experience at this historic site that already ranks among Yorkshire’s most popular free attractions.

“By using 21st century technology, we’re able to bring the story of this 18th century engineering marvel to life. It’s an additional way of introducing more people to the canal that’s on their doorstep.”

Animations used by the app were developed in partnership with nearby schools, including Crossflatts Primary School, and show how the celebrated Grade I listed Bingley Five Rise Locks work and how they have changed through time.