THE restoration of Northwich's most famous landmark entered its final stage last week as Anderton Boat Lift was bolted back together - piece by piece.

Sections of the giant Victorian steel frame were finally returned to the site on Thursday by a 1,000 tonne crane, following an extensive makeover as part of the £7 million restoration project.

The final piece of the jigsaw puzzle will be the introduction of new hydraulic rams to raise and lower the lift when it is fully restored by the end of September.

Martin Clarke of British Waterways, which is carrying out the project, said: "Working with such an old structure is very unpredictable and each stage of the restoration has resulted in unforeseen challenges and problems which we have had to overcome.

"We have also had to contend with the petrol crisis, the River Weaver flooding the site last year, and more recently the foot and mouth crisis.

"The fact that we are still on schedule is a testament to the skill and dedication of the people involved."

Once the lift is reopened to the public in spring 2002, it will be able to transport boats from the Trent and Mersey Canal to the River Weaver using two giant tanks.

Before it is completed however, more than 5,000 new bolts will be needed to repair the structure and an area equivalent to six football pitches will also be painted.