Scouts and volunteers dig in together to improve canal path
Team effort...volunteers and Explorer Scouts repair potholes along the canal path between Foxton and Market Harborough. (Mail Picture: Andrew Carpenter/MHMP 001605-41)
Volunteers and Explorer Scouts helped to repair potholes along the canal path between Foxton and Harborough on Saturday.
Together they laid almost ten tons of gravel on a 500-metre stretch of towpath, helping turn what can sometimes resemble a mud bath into an accessible area for walkers.
The material was delivered by boat to the work site by Canal & River Trust staff who also supervised the volunteers.
A further volunteer day has been organised for February 17.
The volunteers included representatives from the Old Union Canal Society, Foxton Inclined Plane Trust, the village of Foxton and other waterways enthusiasts.
Carl Bedford, of the Old Union Canal Society, said: “Due to the fine weather there were many towpath users present who commented favourably on the work being done to fill in the many puddles and repair the surface.”
The dozen explorer scouts helping out have formed a group called i.care (Inclined Canal Adopted Region Explorers).
Their work on Saturday marked the start of a community project with a green theme.
The explorer scouts are adopting an area of canal to help maintain and improve, guided by the Canal and Rivers Trust.
Fixing the tow path was the first task identified, the project will carry on looking for more ways to help.
Debbie Billington, Explorer Scout leader said: “The i.care project is a great way for our scouts to demonstrate they are responsible citizens and active members of their local community whilst having fun.
“I think it’s the perfect partnership - we have access to waterways expertise from the Canal and Rivers Trust, guidance from other local groups, especially the Old Union Canal Society which can help channel the energy and enthusiasm of our scouts into a positive activity for the whole community.
“We really are working together for a community benefit.”
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Weather for Harborough
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
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Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
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