Can we have this?

Ashby Canal Restoration the Original Plan

This project is to restore the Ashby Canal from its current terminus at Snarestone northwards for a distance of 4.5 km to a new canal wharf at Measham. The power to acquire the necessary land and to construct and maintain the canal was provided in October 2005 when the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed the Leicestershire County Council (Ashby de la Zouch Extension) Order made under the powers of the Transport and Works Act 1992. In making the Order the Secretary of State noted that “the scheme is consistent with national, regional and local policies, would contribute significantly to regeneration objectives and would produce considerable economic, environmental and social benefits”.

The Ashby Canal Restoration Project

Measham is a vibrant community at the Heart of the National Forest. It is recovering from the social, economic and environmental impact of local colliery closures in the late 1980’s and is now part of the regeneration of the National Forest area centred on woodland planting, leisure and tourism and development of the woodland economy. Restoration of the Ashby Canal from the current low-key terminus at Snarestone to a high profile destination at Measham will provide the stimulus for leisure-led economic development and regeneration. It is an important part of the development of the National Forest and Heart of the National Forest Park and will help secure a sustainable future for communities and business in a landscape that will reflect the transformation of the area.

Aims

• Advance and accelerate continuing economic regeneration of the area and contribute to rural diversification and social inclusion through opportunities for employment, leisure, recreation, learning and skills.
• Provide a green gateway to the National Forest and develop and link the recreational tourism facilities.
• Improve the environmental quality of the area.
• Provide a recreational, cultural and social resource for the local community.
• Connect Measham, and ultimately Moira, to the national waterways network.

Impact on Community

• The attraction of 150,000 visitors per annum into the area boosting spending within the local economy by some £3m+.
• The stimulation of £8.35m of inward investment from the private sector to develop 7,300 square metres of mixed-use residential, retail and business units.
• The creation of around 180 temporary jobs and over 70 permanent jobs.
• Reclamation of derelict and under-used land to create a recreational and wildlife corridor acting as a gateway into the National Forest it will leave a valuable and sustainable legacy for future generations.
• The strengthening of the local community through the restoration of heritage and cultural pride.
• Improved health by enabling access to a safe and accessible walking and cycling route and by providing employment for the local community that has suffered from high levels of unemployment and associated ill health.

Not going to happen if we allow the Housing Development