£900,000 Scheme To Transform Canal Towpath In Market Harborough
Written by HFM News on 22nd March 2023
Work to transform a section of canal towpath in Market Harborough is set to start in May.
The £900,000 project will see the widening of the 2-kilometre stretch from the canal basin at Union Wharf and a new all-weather surface laid, so it can be used all year round by pedestrians and cyclists.
The work by the Canal and River Trust will take about four months, with sections of the path, which is often muddy in places, to be closed while it takes place.
Part of the towpath to be revamped
Funding for the project has come from the Department for Transport through Sustrans’ Paths For Everyone programme as well as a Section 106 contribution from the Wellington Place housing development, which will help to improve the towpath and linkages to the town centre for local residents.
The section of towpath forms part of Route 6 of the National Cycle Network, which connects London to the Peak District as well as being a popular path with locals looking for a green, traffic-free route into town.
lan Leather, partnerships manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “It is a beautiful stretch of canal, and we are pleased to be able to respond to the local demand for these improvements which will make it easier for people visiting, living and working in Market Harborough to enjoy the canal.
“As a charity we’re incredibly grateful for the funding to make these improvements possible.
“It’s great to see how much local people value the canal, and their continued support is vital so that we can continue to protect and preserve our historic waterways and avert the decline we saw last century.”
Clare Maltby, Sustrans’ England Director Midlands and East, said: “Our Paths for Everyone programme is helping to improve the National Cycle Network right across the country, making it easier for everyone to walk and cycle.
As custodians of the network, we own just a small portion of the land it sits on. So, it’s important to work in partnership with organisations like the Canal & River Trust who are delivering this scheme. As a result of these improvements, many people will benefit from a wider, smoother, more accessible path.
“The scheme is helping to bring us all one step closer to a National Cycle Network that is safe and accessible for everyone.”
