Aqueduct planned for the Ashby

Published: Sunday, 19 July 2009

PLANS have just been revealed for the proposals for the extension of the derelict Ashby Canal which include an aqueduct over Measham High Street.

The next stage of the restoration of the waterway is to extend it from its present terminus at Snarestone, along its original line, then diverting onto the line of the abandoned former Midland Railway line into the village. (The picture by Ian Reid shows a boat rally on the existing Ashby Canal.)

The new plans were unveiled at a public meeting at the village's St Laurence's Church Hall, showing a 60 metres span six metres high aqueduct, giving the 'boats in the sky' prospect over the main road through the village.

The waterway is ultimately planned to link up with the renovated section between Donisthorpe and Moira, would loop around the rear of Measham Leisure Centre, with a new wharf being developed.

To its advantage, all the land has now been acquired, and planning permission and a government bylaw is in place to authorise the re-opening of the canal.

Of course, the new wharf is envisaged to accommodate shops, cafes and housing, but of the estimated cost of £13 millions, only £1.5 million is in place.

The new length of waterway would require an accommodation bridge on land three quarters of a mile north of Snarestone and a road bridge further on.

The scheme is supported by partners including The East Midlands Development Agency, Ashby Canal Trust, National Forest Company, Ashby Canal Trust and Ashby Canal Association.