| It is far from clear that there exists a demand to excavate a canal across the Pier Head to link Prince's Dock with the Canning Half Tide Basin which forms part of the Albert Dock complex. Though it was once possible to sail narrow boats from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through to the south docks via the now filled in George's Dock (In which the Royal Liver, Cunard, Port of Liverpool and Mersey Tunnel Ventilation buildings were constructed.) the south docks never really had a narrow boat presence. For some years a few narrow boats have braved the swift flowing Mersey to enter Canning River Entrance for the annual Mersey River Festival, but it is doubtful that this is proof of demand for such an ambitious. If it was the intention to bring canal boats into the city as has been stated - surely a canal boat marina in Prince's Dock would have sufficed? As a result of this probably unnecessary construction much of the Pier Head piazza area is now fenced off during Liverpool's 800 anniversary year and access to the river front restricted and will remain so until mid 2008. After that there will be a semi covered canal across the Pier Head area which is sure to become a depository for general litter, the previous evening's discarded take-aways and the occasional dead dog, cat or person! However as construction progresses, Irish Sea Shipping will post occasional photographs of progress as and when gaps in fences allow! | 
