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Leicestershire canal to get winter makeover

The Trust, has announced a programme of works aimed at improving the Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire in this winter.

Crick and Grand Union Canal

The work programme, which can be viewed at - Winter stoppages includes lock gate repairs at:

  • Kibworth Top Lock (number 18) and Cranes Lock (number 22) near Kibworth
  • Turnover Lock (number 27) and Tythorne Lock (number 28), near Kilby
  • Dunns Lock (number 34) and Whetstone Lane Lock (lock 35) near Blaby
  • Aylestone Mill Lock (number 39) near Braunstone Town

The works are part of the Trust's national, £43 million winter maintenance programme, which sees an army of Trust engineers, conservationists and contractors mobilised to carry out essential repairs across 2,000 miles of canals, rivers and docks.

Charlotte Wood, from the Trust, said: "The waterways in Leicestershire are a real gem, but they are over 200-years old so need plenty of looking after. Keeping them running requires constant maintenance, so we're using this winter period, when there are fewer boats travelling on the canal, to get as much done as we can."

Lock gates typically last around 25 years and allow countless boats to travel up and down the canal. Each new made-to-measure lock gate weighs several tonnes, and is handcrafted from seasoned oak to fit each lock chamber. Once in place the new lock gates will help the Trust conserve water and keep boats moving along the waterway.

Last Edited: 18 October 2016

photo of a location on the canals
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