Lottery boost for Linby’s historic dock

The council has received £4,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for restoration of the stone walls around the Linby Docks which run through the middle of the village.

“We hope to start the project in June this year now we have successfully secured the money,” said Denise Ireland, Linby parish councillor. “The restoration of the walls should be completed by August.

“The work will ensure that people understand the importance of the docks and the pivotal role they have played during our history,” added Denise. “But also ensure they carry on being part of our history for future generations.”

Another aspect of the restoration will be educating people in the building techniques used in days gone by.

“The most important part of this project is getting people to understand the importance of using traditional building techniques for stone based houses/ walls etc,” added Denise. “This will be achieved by running a workshop later in the year – which will be open to all people who have an interest in our local heritage and using traditional building techniques.”

The streams, known as the Linby Docks, used to feed the mills of Linby, and are tributaries of the River Leen, from which Linby takes its name.

Over the years the stone walls around the docks have been repaired by using cement, which has damaged the stone and is completely out of keeping for the area and the village.