EFFORTS to conserve a cluster of Victorian coke ovens beside the Lancaster Canal at Carnforth will begin on Monday.

Everybody is welcome to attend the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Carnforth Coke Ovens, at the Canal Turn pub in Carnforth, starting at 7.30pm.

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Brian Crawley, of the Lancaster Canal Trust, said it was believed the five stone-lined ovens – part of the canal’s rich industrial heritage – dated back to the 1850s.

It is thought that coke made in the ovens was used by local blacksmiths and iron forges.

The circular openings were eventually filled in with soil to prevent tramps from sleeping rough inside them.

The Canal and River Trust hopes to apply for Heritage Lottery money to conserve the ovens, as some of the stonework is being dislodged by tree roots. Information panels would also be displayed.