Aren't Canals the responsibility of Canal and Rivers Trust, rather than the Local Council?
Not that that diminishes your concern at the neglect of the Canal.
Not in this case - it is the council's responsibility because it was derelict when the C&RT came into existance
there has not been a boat up it for many many years - except for a dock at the Widnes end and some moorings at Fiddlers Ferry (by a very nice pub called "The Ferry")
Funnily enough - on that subject - the bridgewater canal - also old - is just over the river and that is also not the responsibility of the C&RT but is looked after by Peel Holdings - who also own the Manchester Ship Canal
However that one is fully functional and joins to the national network
I ride along it a lot
(OK for the pedants - I ride along the tow paths next to it - in spite of what Strava normally says!!)
anyway - you did ask for a History lesson didn;t you???