You are here:

News

Foxton wins the Lottery

10th Dec 2003

Exclusive first report from Waterscape.com

The locks and long-lost inclined plane at Foxton, Leicestershire, could be set for a massive boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The fund announced today (Wednesday 10 December) that it has earmarked £1.5m for British Waterways' improvement plans for the site.

The scheme will concentrate on the historic site of the inclined plane - an ingenious boat-lift that closed in 1910. The trees will be cleared from the plane, and the top and bottom channels to the lift will be repaired, cleared and re-watered. The appearance of the site will be improved, and interpretation of the industrial and natural heritage of the area will be much increased.

Around the locks, work will concentrate on the fascinating collection of original canal buildings and structures. The Grade II-listed lock-keeper’s cottage, bridges and other associated buildings will be restored or renewed.

Though this scheme would stand on its own as a major boost to Foxton Locks - already one of the county's top tourist attractions - local enthusiasts believe that the work will prepare the ground for the ultimate reopening of the inclined plane to boats and passengers. The Foxton Inclined Plane Trust has been campaigning for a reopened plane for 20 years, and its efforts were vindicated recently when British Waterways named the project as one of its top priorities.

Christine Styles, Chairman of the Foxton Locks Partnership and Project Manager for British Waterways, explained: "This is great news for our continued improvements at Foxton Locks. The HLF grant will enable us to improve the site for visitors and will take us one step closer to the restoration of the Inclined Plane."

Before the cheque is signed, detailed plans need to be drawn up and approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund trustees. But until then, you can still explore the fascinating site at Foxton, which includes a canal shop and a volunteer-run museum.

Last updated: 22/10/2008