Memorandum submitted by Harborough District
Council
I understand that the Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs Select Committee is shortly to be holding an event
to look at British Waterways' role in restoration and regeneration.
At Harborough District Council we have had for
many years a particularly successful working relationship with
British Waterways. We have a regionally important tourism attraction
at Foxton Locks and an extensive stretch of the Grant Union Canal
on the Leicester line from south of North Kilworth to Wistow along
with the "Harborough" Arm and the Canal Basin in Market
Harborough.
We have worked with British Waterways on the
successful regeneration of the Market Harborough Canal Basin to
provide high quality living accommodation and retail/community
space in the former Canalside Warehouses as well as upgraded public
realm space for the enjoyment of residents, local businesses and
visitors.
We have worked with British Waterways on responding
to development opportunities along the Leicester line west of
Market Harborough where there have been proposals for new investments
such as marina developments enhancing both visitor and recreation
facilities and the diversity of accommodation within the District.
Most significantly, we have worked with British
Waterways through the Foxton Locks Partnership on the restoration
and enhancement of facilities at the Foxton Locks site. The scale
of change steered through the Partnership is largely due to the
commitment to delivering the Partnerships objectives shown by
British Waterways staff at all levels, from senior management,
project management, site interpretation and on site management.
None of this could have been achieved without British Waterways
and I would accordingly urge you to encourage British Waterways
to continue its good work.
Brett Culpin, Head of
Built Environment Services
Harborough District Council
March 2008
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