Green Flag status for land surrounding waterways

Foxton Locks has been awarded a Green Flag by Keep Britain Tidy charity

Green spaces surrounding waterways in Leicestershire have received national recognition for cleanliness.

The Canal and River Trust said it had retained Green Flag awards at Foxton Locks and a 40km stretch of the River Soar and Grand Union Canal, between Loughborough and Kilby Bridge.

Awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, the prize is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The trust praised volunteers who have worked against storms and floods this winter to keep the waterways clean.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the Canal and River Trust, said the awards demonstrated Leicestershire's waterways were still bringing benefits to locals.

“These Green Flags are testament to our colleagues and volunteers who work hard to keep Leicestershire’s canals clean and welcoming places for local communities and visitors," she said.

"Caring for a 250-year-old canal network is a challenge, with our ageing waterways vulnerable to changing weather patterns, daily wear and tear, and perennial problems like litter and encroaching vegetation."

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