Around Leek there are a number of canals,however there does not appear to be any working narrow boats. Does any NSC,users know are narrow boats still used for 'shipping' goods ?
Yep. There's a recycling plant around the corner from my house which receives goods by narrowboat. Transport for London have even paid to improve the towpath so stuff can be unloaded there.
I had a great aunt who lived next to the Grand Union canal in Hertfordshire. She was a retired nurse and she received regular visits from working narrow boats who wanted her midwifery skills when a baby was due to be born afloat.