Neglected waterway is in line for restoration
PLANS are in the works to restore one of Lincolnshire’s neglected waterways, the beautiful Louth Navigation Canal.
The canal, which has been overlooked for nearly a century, has received up to £50,000 seed funding from East Lindsey Council and by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to kickstart minor projects that will allow the Wolds community to access their historic canal.
The team needs to raise an additional £50,000 to secure all the funds, so they are putting together solid plans for the restoration work to give them clear fundraising goals. Key points along the route where the money y will be spent p are:
1. 1 Austin Fen
The T top priority will be creating an access a slipway at Austin Fen warehouse. h This will provide water access a for boats, paddleboards, kayaks a and more to the 7-mile stretch of water w leading to Tetney lock. This will mark the first time in 100 years y that boats have used this water since s the canal closed.
2. 2 Access to the old top lock site
The T plan includes introducing access a to the water around the site of the t old top lock for water sports both west w and east of Top Lock. There will also a be water level improvements at Keddington K lock, allowing users to enter e the water near the Warehouse and a paddle downstream, only needing i to get out/in around the ‘locks’
Timber landing stage.
3. Clearing overgrowth
The team will raise money which they will earmark for desilting work to clear the entire overgrown riverhead area between Top Lock and Navigation Warehouse for use by boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more. Regular and frequent work parties carried out by the Louth Navigation Trust will also help clear the waterway.
4. Louth Riverhead
New slipway next to the ‘Round Viewing Area’ near the navigation warehouse.
The Navigation Trust is raising money to increase capacity of the slip way and make it longer so more people can access the water.
The team also wants to replace the bollards with ones that can be removed, making it easier for trailers to get access. They’re planning a longer stage towards the warehouse with a bridge over the drain for improved access.
The viewing platform needs better short-term integration with the warehouse, footpath and slipway. A ramp is needed from the viewing platform to the slipway and towards Top Lock.
There’s a big ‘drop’ to the slipway, and part of it is on the road and through car parking areas. When this area is redesigned, the designers need to think about how it will be used in the future for music events and by disabled people.
5. Signs along the towpath
Louth Navigation Trust has been given money from Louth Lions to upgrade the way marker signs and put up signposts at key places along the whole canal.
The team is also thinking about how to upgrade the whole towpath to a safe path to link Louth to the coast for everyone can use including people with mobility problems.
6. Ticklepenny Lock
The Waterways Recovery Group visited in 2023 to help Louth Navigation Trust rebuild the lock walls at Ticklepenny Lock. They’ll also be back this year to continue the good work.
7. Smaller slipway
There are plans to create smaller access points at other locations along the seven-mile stretch of level which is on one level, for better access by kayaks and paddleboards. These will ideally be at Tetney lock, at Thorsby bridge and Fire Beacon Lane.
For more information about the canal and the people who care for it, visit: www.louthcanal.org.uk