A campaign group has formed to raise vital funds to stop further leaks and damaging weed growth in a section of the Grantham Canal.
Rushcliffe Borough Council Deputy Mayor Cllr Tina Combellack attended the Kinoulton Big Nite In (KNBI) on September 5 as one fundraising effort to raise a total of £100,000 to combat the issues on their local section of the waterway from Hickling Bridge to Wilds Bridge at Kinoulton.
She joined others in raising money for the Grantham Canal Water Restoration Group who are continuing work to counter the severe water loss in the waterway, part of the Kinoulton and Hickling Basin.
The ward member for Hickling joined Peter Cadwallader, chairman of Kinoulton Parish Council and many other Councillors and concerned local residents at the fundraiser after efforts started last year to take action on the issue.
They are working in conjunction with the Grantham Canal Society who provide volunteer labour and the Canal and Rivers Trust(CRT) who manage the canal systems.
Cllr Combellack said: “We are concerned at the continuing loss of water in our area due to a number of leaks and considerable weed growth. Rain fall only provides temporary water and does not solve the leaks so we are raising money to address these issues as quickly as possible.
“The Canal is a highly valued leisure resource in Rushcliffe and the Vale of Belvoir and has been invaluable during the recent pandemic, providing much needed mental relaxation and wellbeing benefits.
“We hope the funds will assist with volunteer help and machinery to make the necessary changes.
“The CRT are working hard on the Denton and Knipton feeders at the Belvoir end of the canal but we need support too. To coin an analogy, it is no use turning the bath taps on if you haven’t put the plug in. Sadly this is what happens here in the local basin, when it rains we fill up, then empty when the rain goes.
“If you can help raise awareness, fund raise or volunteer physical time, please get in touch. You will find us on facebook Grantham Canal Water Restoration Group – GCWRG or email gcwrg@yahoo.com “.
