Adderley people do not have to travel far to visit a park. They have one on their doorsteps — but in rather an unusual location alongside the Shropshire Union Canal.
And with its shrubs, trees and flower beds it’s as good as many a town park.
Since Mr Frank Butter took on the job of lock keeper at Adderley he has transformed the tow path and adjoining areas of canal land which were previously overgrown.
His efforts have been rewarded with his award of first prize in the Northwich area Lock and Bridge Competition.
The grassy areas around the five locks are neatly trimmed, and new gravel has been put down on the towpath.
Frank has planted out the name Adderley in flowers on a grassy bank as well as planting trees and shrubs.
Much of the work has been done in his own time and at his own expense. Highlights include attractive flowering baskets and rose trees all in bloom.
Helped by members of his family, Frank of Greenbank, Adderley, is now being complimented on his work by holiday makers using the waterway.
“They call it Adderley Park now,” joked Frank who was a farmworker before joining British Waterways.
A British Waterways official said: “Frank is a very hard and conscientious worker.”
His award now puts him in the British Waterways Bridge national Bridge and Lock Competition.
Lock-keeper Frank
Mr Frank Butter, of Adderley, has won the British Waterways national competition for the best-maintained locks.
Mr Butter, of Green Bank, Adderley, is the Adderley lock keeper on the Shropshire Union Canal.
A former farmworker. Mr. Butter has been lock-keeper since November, 1978. In the last 19 months he has transformed the areas round the locks and bridges into lawns and garden beds and has spelled out the name Adderley in red, white and blue flowers on an embankment.
Mr Butter has already won the Northwich divisional competition for the best-maintained lock. He said it was the first time a national competition had been won in the area.
He had been competing with lock-keepers on canals and rivers all over England.
“It is a shock. I have not got over it yet,” said Frank after hearing of his win in a letter from British Waterways.
