Grantham awaits River Trent link update

By Nadia Ghani

Grantham Canal could become a rural leisure destination, if a Green Infrastructure Study reveals that it could be connected to the River Trent.

The study’s results will be made public on 2 March. If they are positive, the Grantham Canal Partnership hopes there will be greater possibility of capturing private sector funding, which is needed to restore the canal.

Mike Stone, chairman of the Grantham Canal Society, said: "While the area is very rural, there are opportunities for the service industry. There could be business openings for caravan parks, angling clubs, cycling tour operators and pubs."

Stone said the canal will act as a "green buffer" between urban areas, preserving an area of “natural rural delight”.

He estimates the restoration of the entire 33-mile stretch may cost anything up to £40m.

The Grantham Canal Partnership has been campaigning to restore the stretch, which was once a major commercial route in the area, since 1997.