Major repairs completed on storm damaged canal bank

The Grand Union Canal bank, near Blue Bank Lock, was washed away in floods during the recent storms

Major repairs have been completed on a section of a canal bank that was washed away by floods during winter storms.

A part of the Grand Union Canal bank, near Blue Bank Lock, south of Leicester, was significantly damaged when floodwater from the River Soar, which runs parallel to the canal, overtopped.

The Canal and River Trust said Storm Babet in October caused initial damage before heavy rain and flooding during Storms Gerrit and Henk scoured away the canal wall and towpath on top.

A £500,000 programme to carry out vital repairs and strengthen a 100m (328ft) section has now been completed.

The charity said vital repairs have been carried out on a 100m section in Leicester

The charity said the canal wall has been reinforced with new steel piling backfilled with stone and a new towpath has been laid on top.

The towpath, which was reinstated with almost £44,000 of funding from Leicester City Council, is a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists linking Great Central Way and Everards Meadows.

Repairs have also been carried out on the approach to Blue Bank Lock, which has included the addition of new moorings for boats using the lock.

Linny Beaumont, regional director for the trust, said: "This is an example of the devastating impact flooding brought about by climate change can have on our historic waterways, and the work we have to do to protect them for future generations."

Assistant city mayor Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport at the council, added: "Sadly, climate change is presenting us with increased challenges from flooding and extreme weather events, so that we need to conduct repairs like these to ensure people can continue to have access to the recreational spaces."

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