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In 1944 the stretch of the canal between Donisthorpe and Moira was officially closed, following unsucessful attempts by the canal company to overcome the effects of mining subsidence. Later, in 1957, a further length was closed, down as far as Illott Wharf, south of Measham. In 1966 local residents and anglers and waterway enthusiasts unsuccessfully protested against the closure of a further stretch, north of Snarestone. It was out of these protests that the Ashby Canal Association was born.
In recent years much progress has been made in getting the canal restored north of its present terminus by the Quarry Lane Pumping station, near Snarestone.
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The length between Donisthorpe and what is now known as Conkers Waterside basin, at Moira was restored (complete with a new lock at Moira) and opened for use in 2001. This stretch is already very popular with canoeists, and a trip boat operates from Moira Furnace. Each year, in early summer, a trail-boat festival is held, when visiting craft make a colourful sight and attract lots of visitors. The Association has a work-boat “Firefly” which is based on this part of the canal. Volunteers use the work-boat, in conjunction with the Ashby Canal Trust, to maintain this restored length.
The restored stretch has won many awards. The whole area has been transformed, and is now a tourist destination popular with walkers, picnickers, and historians exploring the adjacent Moira Furnace |
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The focus of restoration efforts is now concentrated on the stretch between Snarestone and Measham. Following the granting of a Transport and Works Act Order, Leicestershire County Council are leading the restoration project. ACA work parties have been held to clear the line of the canal. Land has been acquired by ACA for the provision of off-line nature reserves (a pre-condition of restoration ) and detailed plans have been drawn up by the County Council, following extensive site surveys. The County Council have been negotiating with various funding partners for the necessary finance to acquire the land and start construction. the target time for completion of the restoration through to Measham is five years |
The L.C.C. restoration project officer is Geoff Pursglove
Measham Community Office Tel: 01530 273956 Email: ashbycanal@tiscali.co.uk |
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