Information on Loughborough

Launch of strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

Posted on 01/01/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

5 December 2008

Launch of strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal

Feedback on consultation encouraged from Leicestershire residents, partners and stakeholders from 5 December 2008

The emerging Strategy for the River Soar and Grand Union Canal through Leicestershire has been launched for consultation. The Strategy provides an assessment of the current position, issues and future opportunities for the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal (the ‘Waterway’), and proposes a series of actions based around the themes of a Green Waterway, a Visible Waterway and an Accessible Waterway.

Engaging the views of the people of Leicestershire is critical to the success of this strategy. The strategy can be viewed from 5 December 2008 at www.riversoarstrategy.com and feedback can be provided to info@riversoarstrategy.com. The strategy is also on display at specific local libraries across the county. Feedback would be welcomed by 20 January 2009.

The study has been funded by the East Midlands Development Agency and is managed by a Steering Group of representatives from Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester Shire Promotions, Leicester Regeneration Company, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, British Waterways and chaired by The Waterways Trust.

Andy Reed MP added: "I was pleased to help launch this consultation as I believe there is more potential in using our waterways between Leicester and Loughborough. Recent developments like the Wharf and Pillings Lock show what can be achieved. As well as local statutory bodies I would like to urge members of the public to give their views. We, after all, will be the users."

Note to Editor:

For more information on the consultation, please contact Andy Hayes, Community Projects Officer at Leicestershire County Council on 0116 305 7269 or email ahayes@leics.gov.uk

Arup and Lathams Architects were appointed by British Waterways to prepare the strategy on behalf of the Steering Group.

About Arup:

Arup is a global firm of designers, engineers, planners and business consultants providing a diverse range of professional services to clients around the world.

www.arup.com

About British Waterways:

British Waterways (BW) is responsible for a 2,200 mile canal and river network in England, Wales and Scotland. There are nearly 300 million visits made to BW’s waterways every year for a wide range of leisure and everyday activities including walking, cycling, angling, boating, wildlife spotting or just simply feeding the ducks. The work of British Waterways and further corporate information can be found at www.britishwaterways.co.uk

About The Waterways Trust:

The Waterways Trust is a national charity that works with others to promote greater public enjoyment of our inland waterways.

www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk