.....News added on 29th August 2004.....

A cultured day out Once Liverpool was declared European Capital of Culture for 2008, the city's authorities put arrangements in place to hold culture-themed days each year on 20th August (20/08). 2004 was no exception and we opened up the Paddington section of the Williamson Tunnels. Pictured here, one group of local youngsters celebrates with balloons and old bottles found in the tunnels - empty of course!

2008 celebrations under Paddington

Digging deeper Continued sterling efforts by the digging team in the 'South' or 'Corner' tunnel have really started to pay dividends. Often watched by tunnels visitors from the walkway above, the diggers have worked down to a level where the top of a new tunnel has been revealed. Visible just below the centre of this picture is a brick arch, although the tunnel itself is clearly packed tight with rubble. Early calculations suggest that this tunnel heads out towards the stable yard and meets up with the huge 'triple decker' tunnel.

Top of new tunnel revealed

FoWT objects to new planning application Late last year Liverpool City Council rejected a developer's application to build a six-storey complex of flats right in front of the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre. Late summer 2004 saw the same developer submit a new plan, revised to include a five-storey complex, with associated parking encroaching on land which is sure to contain as yet undiscovered parts of the tunnels. FoWT submitted an official objection to this new plan in August. Once the Council makes its decision to approve or reject the plan, we will report it here.

Valuable grants won Spring and summer 2004 saw FoWT receive two separate grants, each for £5,000, towards the society's excavation work. The first, from the local Kensington Regeneration Fund, was used to purchase three conveyor belts suited to underground work. The second, from the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest for Greater Merseyside, was destined for a special spiral digging rig, perfect for clearing out the deep rubble found in the likes of the Paddington section of the tunnels. We are grateful to the management of both funds for their kind consideration of our work and plans.