County Council plans to transfer ownership of Ashby Canal section to 'active and passionate' group - and wants your views

By Ashby Nub News Reporter

23rd Feb 2023 | Local News

Former North West Leicestershire District Council chairman Virge Richichi and council leader Richard Blunt presented a cheque to Peter Oakden, Chairman at Ashby Canal Association, in 2021
Former North West Leicestershire District Council chairman Virge Richichi and council leader Richard Blunt presented a cheque to Peter Oakden, Chairman at Ashby Canal Association, in 2021

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]  

Share:

Related Articles

Image: Dreamstime
Local News

School uniform 'swap shops' are needed in the Ashby area this summer as part of new council scheme

The Courtyard staff held a special celebration last month to mark 10 years in Ashby. Photos: Courtyard Cafe
Local News

Popular Ashby cafe celebrates its tenth anniversary in secluded town centre spot

Nub News Logo

Ashby: WE NEED YOUR HELP  🙌

We want to provide Ashby with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X
We won't pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign-up button you agree to our Privacy Policy.