Irlam on the Manchester Ship Canal, 2024. Photo Philip Royle

Salford docks, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

Irlam locks on the Manchester Ship Canal, 1983/84. Photo PhilipRoyle

Sorrento, 2025. Photo Philip Royle

Wigg Island, Runcorn, 2022. Photo Philip Royle

Irlam on the Manchester Ship Canal, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

No 9 dock, Salford, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

Ellesmere Port on the Manchester Ship Canal, 2025. Photo Philip Royle

What a hit!

Bernard on the Manchester Ship Canal at Barton, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

No 9 dock, Salford, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

Eastham, 2024. Photo Philip Royle

As well as dumping sewage on an industrial scale for years, Southern Water is now responsible for a huge spill of plastic biobeads along the Sussex coast. Throw the book at them Environment Agency theguardian.com/environment/20…

Irlam locks on the Manchester Ship Canal, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

"Volunteers cleaning up the pellets at Camber Sands have described it as "the worst single incident" they have encountered." I'm going to be down on the south coast this weekend. Perhaps the minister responsible Emma Hardy might like to join me at Camber Sands on Saturday

Floating crane, Salford docks, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

Notice at Salford docks, 1983/84. Photo Philip Royle

Barton aqueduct opening last week. The Bridgewater canal flows over the Manchester Ship Canal. Photo Philip Royle

Irlam locks on the Manchester Ship Canal, 1983/84

Coaling basin, Cadishead on the Manchester Ship Company, 1983/84