RESTORATION works have been completed on a historic canal bridge as part of an ongoing effort to protect and preserve the heritage of the Ashby Canal.
The project, carried out by the Canal & River Trust at Wellsborough Bridge near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, has seen extensive repairs made to historic brickwork, improving the look of the traditional humpback bridge and repairing damaged sections.
CRT partnerships and funding manager Alan Leather said: “The Ashby Canal bridges are such an important part of the local heritage and character, so we’re really pleased to be working with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to make these vital repairs.”
Skilled teams raked out crumbling mortar, repointed with traditional lime mortar and replaced damaged bricks and stonework.
The project is part of a wider scheme that has seen a series of bridges in the Ashby Canal Conservation Area restored by the trust, in partnership with the borough council.
Around £30,000 has been invested in the restoration of Wellsborough Bridge with £10,000 funding coming from the council’s Environmental Improvement Programme and the remainder being raised by the trust.
Two years ago similar restoration works were carried out on nearby Dakins Bridge, where brickwork was repaired and sheet piling installed to strengthen the canal bank.
This project came to fruition as the Government announced a substantial cut in future grant funding for the nation’s historic waterways from 2027.
Alan added: “It brings the future of these historic and much-loved assets into sharp focus.
“We’re calling on people to lobby their local MP and support our campaign to Keep Canals Alive so that we can continue to protect and preserve the special places for future generations.”
