Work On Towpath Transformation To Start This Week

Work will start this week to transform a well-used and often muddy section of the canal towpath in Market Harborough.

The £900,000 project will see the widening of the 2km stretch from Union Wharf and new all-weather surface laid, so it can be used all-year-round, including by those with wheelchairs or buggies.

The work by the Canal and River Trust will take until the end of August, with sections of the path closed as it takes place.

The current stretch of towpath is often muddy

Funding for the project has come from the Department for Transport, through Sustrans’ Paths For Everyone programme, as well as a ‘Section 106’ developer contribution from the Wellington Place housing development, through Harborough District Council.

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.

The works will also see a busy mooring for visiting boats improved.

How the path will look when the work is complete

Linny Beaumont, Canal & River Trust regional director, said: “Still used and navigated by boats as they have been for hundreds of years, research shows that spending time amongst nature alongside our historic canals is good for all our physical and mental health.  These improvements are important because it will make it easier for us all to access the wonderful canal on our doorsteps and experience the benefits ourselves.

“The Canal & River Trust is a charity so support from local partners, like Sustrans and Harborough District Council, is crucial in helping us in our ongoing work to protect waterways and ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed both now and for future generations.”

Clare Maltby, Sustrans’ England Director Midlands and East, said: “It’s great to see this scheme getting underway. Our Paths for Everyone programme is helping to improve the National Cycle Network right across the country and the scheme is helping to bring us all one step closer to a National Cycle Network that is safe and accessible for everyone.

“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 which is delivering this scheme. Schemes like this demonstrate why it’s so important that investment in active travel continues because there are so many benefits. In this case, many people in the local area will enjoy a wider, more accessible path.”