‘Dismay’ After Fencing Erected At Foxton Locks

The Canal Museum at Foxton Locks has criticised the decision to erect large safety fencing across the site.

Trustees say it hit trade and visitor numbers on what should have been a busy Bank Holiday weekend, as some areas of the visitor attraction were cut-off, restricting visitor movements.

The fencing was erected on Friday by the Canal and River Trust for repair work while the historic flight of locks is closed to boats because of the drought.

Fencing was erected at Foxton Locks

Kay Andrews is a trustee for the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust, which runs the museum and told HFM they and other businesses were left dismayed after being given no prior notice the fencing would be erected:

Fencing was erected at Foxton Locks

A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said “The on-site businesses are an important part of the visitor offer at Foxton and that’s why we’ve made a concerted effort to keep them informed on the works. Our on-site staff have visited each business personally over recent weeks to discuss the repair programme.

“The fencing is necessary as we’re taking the opportunity, while the locks are temporarily closed to boats due to the drought, to bring forward some planned repair works and, in doing so, minimise future disruption for boaters and local businesses.

“Public safety is our top priority and, ahead of a busy bank holiday weekend, the fencing was erected to keep people safe and prevent anyone from falling into the drained locks while we carry out these important works.

“Despite the fencing, the site remains busy and is far from closed. Most pathways are still open and people can freely access each of the businesses on site throughout the works, which we anticipate to be completed by the middle of next week.

“We’ve been actively promoting visits to Foxton Locks throughout the summer through our programme of events, walks and fishing activities, and we’d encourage people to explore all that the site, and local businesses, have to offer.”