Canal towpath improvements completed in Hinckley

Issued by the Canal & River Trust

The Canal & River Trust has completed a project to improve a section of the Ashby Canal towpath in the town.

The waterways and wellbeing charity, working in partnership with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, has completed works to improve an 850-metre stretch of the towpath between Nutts Lane and Watling Street.

The path has been widened, and a new surface laid, meaning the route can now be enjoyed by local people whatever the weather. With research showing that time spent by water can help us to feel happier and healthier, the new path will give boaters, walkers, cyclists and those with buggies or wheelchairs, a green, traffic-free route into the town.

The project has been funded through a movement and connection contribution from Goodman which Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council secured, via section 106 agreement for the mixed development at Sketchley Brook, towards improving connectivity to the development.

The project is the latest in a series of improvements that have been made to the towpath in Hinckley in recent years. Work started in early September and has now been completed ahead of schedule, meaning the new path is now available for local people to enjoy. 

Alan Leather, partnerships manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The canal is such an important green space running through the town and these works will make it easier and more appealing for local people to visit the canal in all weathers, without the need to dodge puddles. We’re especially pleased to be able to reopen it ahead of schedule.”

“Research tells us that spending time by water is great for your physical and mental health and we hope that local people will now take the opportunity to get out and explore the history and nature that can be found on their local canal.”

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council worked with Goodman and the Canal & River Trust to significantly improve the connectivity to and from the Sketchley Brook development. The development as a whole has significantly benefitted residents resulting in employment, improved transport routes, local leisure amenities and open spaces. 

Welcoming the improvements, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Stuart Bray, said: Thanks to the Canal River Trust for completing this project. The towpath improvements make an attractive and accessible addition to the area, making it possible for even more residents to enjoy some pleasant and tranquil time waterside. I hope residents and visitors enjoy the improvements.”

Nigel Dolan, Development Director at Goodman, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to support this initiative, increasing connectivity and providing safe green spaces for communities to enjoy.” 

ENDS