£50k revamp of Ashby Canal towpath set to start
A WALKWAY alongside the Ashby Canal in Hinckley is to be spruced up, thanks to funds from a developer.
A 240-metre stretch of the towpath near Nutts Lane bridge is to be widened and laid with a new surface, which will connect to an existing access to the Sansome Drive estate.
Taylor Wimpey built the housing complex and as part of the project has provided £50,000 for the Canal and River Trust to upgrade the route.
Alan Leather, enterprise manager at the trust, said revamping the path would be a great benefit to town residents.
He said: “The period of lockdown has really demonstrated the importance of having tranquil, green spaces on our doorstep and this new section of path will make it easier and more appealing for people to use the canal to keep active and clear their minds.
“As a charity we’re incredibly grateful for the funding to make these improvements possible and pleased to be working with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.
“It’s great to see how much people value the canal and recognise the important role it can play in people’s daily lives.
“Whether it’s a green, trafficfree route to work, a place to keep fit or just a quiet place to de-stress, the canal is on the doorstep and free for everyone to enjoy and these works will ensure more people can discover the benefits of spending time by the water.”
Stuart Bray, leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “The towpath improvements will make an attractive and accessible addition to the area and make it possible for even more residents to enjoy some pleasant and tranquil time waterside.
“Thanks to the Canal and River Trust for delivering these works, I look forward to seeing the new towpath in use.”
Councillor David Bill wrote to the trust earlier this year, as the deadline for using the funds was approaching, urging the group to put forward a proposal.
He also asked for a review of the Nutts Lane bridge itself, a 200-year-old structure which vans and lorries regularly cross.
Cllr Bill said: “I was due to meet representatives of the canal trust before everything was put on hold and colleagues and I would still welcome the opportunity to meet them as we are keen to discuss the state of the canal bridge with them.
“Cracks keep appearing and we would like assurances someone has it in hand.”
Residents of Nutts Lane have complained for years about heavy traffic on the road, which lorries often use as a cut through between the A5 and Coventry Road.
It also becomes congested when the railway bridge on the A5 is hit by a tall vehicle.
A spokesman for the trust said previously: “We understand the councillor’s comments but structurally it is classified as full strength and able to accommodate HGVs.
“While it may not be looking it’s best our detailed inspections show the bridge is structurally sound and so we have to prioritise our limited resources elsewhere.
“We would like to improve the general look of the bridge and are keen to work with the borough council to look into ways in which we can do this.
“In the meantime, we will continue our rigorous programme of inspection.”