Leicestershire's oldest canal tunnel gets crucial check up

Snarestone Tunnel on the Ashby Canal has been undergoing it’s ten-yearly Principal Inspection, in which the Trust’s specialist engineers assess the historic tunnel’s condition and identifying any issues that may require further investigation.

Built around 1795, the 229-metre-long tunnel is lined with brick and each of the portals, or entrances, are Grade II Listed.

As part of the inspection the engineers have travelled through the tunnel by boat to assess any structural changes that may have occurred, including checking for cracks and damage to the brickwork. The team carried out a full hands-on inspection of the tunnel using poles, hammers and spikes and their observations will then be analysed to determine whether any major repairs are required.

The ongoing maintenance of structures such as Snarestone Tunnel is made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, boaters and local communities, helping to safeguard the nation's waterways for future generations.

Peter Simpson, principal engineer, said: “Snarestone Tunnel was built by hand with basic tools like pickaxes and shovels over 230 years ago, so it’s fantastic to see it still in use by boats and a real privilege to follow in the footsteps of those that built it.

“It’s our job to keep these wonderful working monuments alive so that they can be used and enjoyed today and for many years to come. This inspection is a good example of this work and the constant endeavour that’s needed to protect, maintain and repair the nation's historic waterways.

“Looking after extraordinary structures such as Snarestone Tunnel is an ongoing effort requiring significant expertise and investment and, as a charity, we're enormously grateful for the support of our volunteers, donors and supporters who help us preserve this remarkable heritage and keep it alive for people and nature to enjoy for generations to come."