Canal to temporarily reopen as water levels rise

A stretch of a canal in Leicestershire is set to reopen temporarily next week after an improvement in water levels.

Foxton Locks initially introduced restricted hours on 13 July due to low water levels before fully closing to boat navigation on 1 September.

The Canal and River Trust said the site, near Market Harborough, would be open to boats from 22 to 24 October, between 10:00 and 15:00 BST each day.

The trust said the reopening would help transfer water northwards to support water levels further along the canal, including an environmentally sensitive site of special scientific interest section where water levels remained "under pressure".

It said the move would help maintain water levels and protect important habitats and species.

However, the trust said water levels remained "very limited" and there was not enough water to support a longer reopening of the Leicester line.

It said water levels would be monitored and carefully managed throughout the three-day opening.

The last boat will be admitted to the locks at 14:15 on the opening days.

Outside the temporary reopening period, the Foxton Lock Flight will remain closed to navigation.

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