 Although the bill passed through the House of Commons successfully, some local landowners objected, and the bill was defeated in the House of Lords.A series of pamphlets were produced in an attempt to sway local opinion, and with the support of Wigan Corporation, another bill was presented.Again there was opposition, but the bill was passed, and the canalisation of the river from its junction with the River Ribble to Miry Lane End in Wigan was authorised by Parliament on 7 April 1720, with Steers and William Squire, Esq.