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Ashby Canal takes big leap forward

28th Sep 2005

Leicestershire County Council has made a big leap forward in the Ashby Canal restoration project.

This week, the council has been advised by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), that it has been successful in obtaining Government approval leading to the first ever Transport and Works Act Order relating to a canal. This should result in the restoration of the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Measham.

The proposed 2.5 mile length of canal will re-connect Measham to the 2000 mile national canal network, and give boaters a definite terminus rather than the current abrupt stop in fields north of Snarestone. It will provide a pleasant route for walkers and increase the biodiversity of the area.

Ernie White, Cabinet Leader for Community Services, said: "The County Council is delighted to have had this positive outcome. It is the first time this legislation has been used for a canal scheme, putting Leicestershire County Council in the forefront of waterways based regeneration schemes.

"It will be of great economic and environmental benefit to Measham and the surrounding area, has wide support both locally and nationally, and will provide a green route into the National Forest."

The Ashby Canal transported coal and other goods for many years, but by the mid 20th century the northern reaches had become the victim of mining subsidence and the top eight miles were abandoned in 1966. The canal will now be restored to Measham, terminating at a new 'Measham Wharf'. This will connect, by way of the existing Ashby Woulds Heritage Trail, to the 1.5 miles of Ashby Canal already restored at Moira - and to the Moira Furnace and Conkers Waterside, at the heart of the National Forest.

Last updated: 22/10/2008