THE Canal & River Trust has started work to repair a popular stretch of the Nottingham & Beeston Canal towpath running through the heart of the city.
A 10m section of canal wall near Castle Wharf failed causing water to encroach onto the towpath. It is one of the busiest in the East Midlands, with walkers, cyclists and joggers using it as a route into and out of the city centre, so the trust is taking action to ensure that it remains safe and accessible for all.
The failure is causing the towpath to slope down towards the canal and so the works will involve installing sheets of metal piling along the canal wall to strengthen it before reinstating the towpath to the correct level.
Works started on Monday (April 29) and are expected to last for around four weeks. The project is being funded by money bid for by Nottingham City Council through the Transforming Cities fund.
It follows on from works carried out by the Trust over the winter which saw £250,000 invested in a major programme of repairs and replacement lock gates at Meadow Lane Lock.
CRT regional director Linny Beaumont said: “The canal is a much-loved route into the city with people taking the opportunity to enjoy relaxing time by water as they make their way to work, university and the shops, so it’s important that we carry out these works.
“We’re really grateful that funding has been secured for this project, enabling us to make sure the canal is safe, accessible and protected for future generations.”
The Nottingham & Beeston runs for five miles through the heart of the city, from Meadow Lane Lock near Trent Bridge to Beeston Lock.
PHOTO: CANAL & RIVER TRUST
