Big step forward for canal restoration project

Work to replace the top gates at Lock 18 at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir has been carried out by Grantham Canal Society.

Society chairman Mike Stone said the £25,000 project is a ‘very significant’ step in the development of the canal which runs across the Vale of Belvoir.

It means the navigable stretch from the A1 to Woolsthorpe can be further extended and the other locks at Woolsthorpe can be used. Once the installation is fully completed, the canal should be useable for an extra three-quarters of a mile, beyond the Dirty Duck pub.

The canal society has raised over £16,000 to fund the cost of the new gates, but needs to raise a further £10,000 to cover all the costs involved and is appealing for donations.

l To find out more about the society, go to: www.granthamcanal.org