| UK. £2.8 million three-year restoration project moves forward at Foxton locks |
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| Tuesday, 06 June 2006 | |
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Waterways news : The next phase of an exciting programme of works to improve access to and restore major elements of Foxton Locks, one of Leicestershire’s most popular visitor destinations, begins this summer. The works will include a major engineering project to repair and rewater the currently disused Upper Arm of the canal, which once carried boats to and from the top of Foxton’s famous Inclined Plane Boat Lift. It is all part of an exciting £2.8 million three-year project to develop and restore one of the county’s major waterside destinations (owned and managed by British Waterways). £1.78 million was awarded to the project by the Heritage Lottery Fund last year. East Midlands Tourism, Leicestershire County Council and other members of the Foxton Locks Partnership are also contributing to and supporting the works. What the works involve A new pedestrian bridge and viewing platform will be installed over the rewatered canal arm to give visitors greater access to the site and spectacular views over the remains of the Inclined Plane, which last operated in the early 1900s. A working replica of a swing bridge that was removed more than 30 years ago will be re-instated to its original position over the Harborough Arm of the canal, providing improved access to the site, particularly for visitors in wheelchairs and families with pushchairs. James Clifton, Foxton Locks Project Manager for British Waterways South East, said: "The majority of the site will remain open throughout the programme of works, creating many opportunities for visitors to view interesting periods of construction, restoration and interpretation. "Our thanks go to Foxton’s boaters, residents and visitors for their patience while this work is carried out, and we hope they will be pleased with the improvements when the work is completed." The initial works, due to start in the next few weeks, include the de-watering of Foxton’s Bottom Basin, which also played an important role in the operation of the Inclined Plane Boat Lift, to enable brick repairs and re-pointing of the waterway walls. The basin is normally occupied by a number of permanent moorers, who have agreed to vacate their moorings while the works take place. Engineers and volunteers will also be working hard to refurbish the original Stop Lock on the Upper Arm of the canal, including the replacement of replica lock gates later in the year. Towpath and footpath upgrading to improve access for all, archaeology surveys, vegetation management and work to return areas of the Inclined Plane to its original profile are also scheduled. In addition, the Foxton Locks site will be ‘brought to life’ in a variety of ways to improve visitors’ enjoyment and understanding of this unique historic site on the Leicester line of the Grand Union Canal. Guided tours for visitors are being organised to coincide with the planned construction works, giving people the chance to find out more about the developments (details to be confirmed). |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 June 2006 ) |
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