Strategy launched for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

The Strategy provides an assessment of the current position, issues and future opportunities for the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, and proposes a series of actions based around the themes of a Green Waterway, a Visible Waterway and an Accessible Waterway.

Engaging the views of the people of Leicestershire is critical to the success of this strategy, and residents are encouraged to provide feedback from 5 December 2008. The strategy can be viewed at www.riversoarstrategy.com and is also on display at specific local libraries across the county.

The study has been funded by the East Midlands Development Agency and is managed by a steering group of representatives from Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire Country Council, Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester Regeneration Company, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, British Waterways and chaired by The Waterways Trust.

Kim Dale, Business Development Manager for British Waterways in the East Midlands said; “It has been our experience from across the country that attractive waterways can bring significant public benefit to local communities by encouraging visitors, drawing investment and promoting healthy activity. The River Soar and Grand Union Canal, with its tremendous natural, built and social heritage, has great potential and I’m confident that this consultation will strengthen the competitiveness of the region by establishing the waterway as an attractive leisure destination”.

Andy Reed MP added: "I was pleased to help launch this consultation as I believe there is more potential in using our waterways between Leicester and Loughborough. Recent developments like the Wharf and Pillings Lock show what can be achieved. As well as local statutory bodies I would like to urge members of the public to give their views. We, after all, will be the users."

Arup and Lathams Architects were appointed by British Waterways to prepare the strategy on behalf of the Steering Group.

Any feedback should be emailed to info@riversoarstrategy.com by 20 January 2009.