Leicestershire County Council is seeking views on its plans to transfer its ownership of part of the Ashby Canal - so that a community group can help progress its further restoration.

A consultation runs until Friday, March 17, with people invited to have their say HERE.

A previous consultation ran four years ago, but, following updated advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the authority is offering another opportunity for people to comment as the area has seen a growth in both residents and businesses.

The council has led the restoration work on the ancient waterway since 1994 with a 500-metre section from Snarestone to Bridge 62 completed in 2015.

However, the authority says that budgets are being squeezed – and with limited availability of third-party funding, a transfer of ownership of a stretch of the canal to the Ashby Canal Association (ACA) is seen as the best way forward.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda said: "We remain committed to the canal's restoration, but we are very open to the possibility of transferring the project to a community organisation and that's why we're again seeking people's views.

"The ACA is an active and passionate group and has expressed its willingness to take on the responsibility for delivering this part of the canal. 

"As there has been a growth in the numbers of residents and businesses in the area, we feel it's important that we again seek the views of people." 

The ACA was established in 1966 and now has more than 500 members.

Previously, the charity successfully completed a £10,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) project to explore and engage local people with the archaeology of Ilott Wharf, and the group has also raised more than £100,000 towards restoring the Gilwiskaw Aqueduct, which is key to the restoration of the next section of the canal. 

Paper copies of the consultation are also available on request by phoning 0116 305 7005 or emailing [email protected]