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Improving management of wastewater at Foxton Locks

11th Oct 2010

British Waterways has started work on a £150,000 project at Foxton Locks in Leicestershire to improve the way wastewater is managed at this 200-year-old historic site.

 Located on the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Foxton Locks is one of Leicestershire’s top tourist attractions. Built in the early 1800’s the site consists of 10 locks - two staircases of five locks climbing a slope of around 75 ft (approx 23 metres), and the remains of the famous inclined plane boat lift which was dismantled in 1926.

The eight week project involves removing the current sewage cesspit and sewage treatment facility and linking the site to the main line sewerage network.

A new pumping station will be installed and from this a 600 metre long sewage pipe will run from the existing facilities building (located in the bottom car park) across the visitor car park and along a bridleway located alongside a local farmers field. A new manhole will then connect to the public sewer located near the village of Foxton.

"Last for years and require minimal maintenance"

Jeff Whyatt British Waterways senior manager said "Over 300,000 visitors come to Foxton Locks each year which is fantastic – but our current wastewater system wasn’t built to cope with this level of demand. Linking up with the main sewerage system is the perfect solution, one that will last for many years and will require minimal maintenance."

Since 2005 over £3million has been spent re-developing this famous site. Works included re-developing the Foxton Locks Inn pub, re-watering of the disused Upper Arm canal, improving pedestrian access to the site and installing interpretation panels to explain the history of this unique site.

During the works the site will remain open to visitors and boaters. The bridleway will be closed for the duration of the works and a diversion route will be signposted.

Last updated: 14/10/2010

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