Big things planned for Lincolnshire's waterways

A multi-million pound improvement programme could be on the way for Lincolnshire's waterways.

The three main partners in the Lincolnshire Waterways project - British Waterways, Lincolnshire County Council, and the Environment Agency - signed an agreement on Monday 21st July to improve and develop the county's waterways. A spectacular ice sculpture of the partnership logo was unveiled at Lincoln's High Bridge to commemorate the event.

The ten-year strategy is the first ever devised for an entire county. It encompasses improvements to existing navigations and towpaths, better facilities, and restoration of derelict waterways. The overall aim is to raise the profile of the Lincolnshire waterways as a tourist destination - while retaining the many features of natural and historical importance. It also seeks to provide new facilities for local communities and to support the development of new businesses in the county.

The first project is already underway with the construction of visitor facilities at Boston Grand Sluice Lock. Last month, VIPs from Lincolnshire County Council received a guided tour around the building that will house an interpretation centre for visitors, as well as brand new facilities for boaters and a landscaped garden at the front of the centre. The formal opening of the centre is planned for September.

For British Waterways, Caroline Killeavy said: "This is just the beginning of what is a very exciting time for the county. Now we can really get stuck in to putting our exciting plans into action."