British Waterways is the custodian and owner of Foxton Locks, which attracts over 300,000 visitors a year.  The site is classed as a designated conservation area containing a scheduled ancient monument with a number a grade II and grade II* listed buildings all of which require constant maintenance to keep them in working order.

Located on the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Foxton Locks consists of 10 locks - two staircases of five locks, and the famous inclined plane boat lift. The flight of locks at Foxton was built in the early 1800’s by canal engineer Benjamin Bevan to overcome a climb of 75 ft (approx 23 metres) and remains largely unaltered. The former inclined plane, now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, was opened in 1900 to speed up canal traffic and to save water. Designed by the Grand Junction Canal Company’s engineer, Gordon Cale Thomas, and built by WH Gwyne of Hammersmith, London, the inclined plane was finally dismantled in 1926. 

The introduction of HPA’s as a new way of managing the nations historic assets came about after the Government’s publication of the 2007 white paper ‘Heritage Protection for the 21^st Century’ .  This set out a new, simple way, of unifying the current regime whilst ensuring the historic environment is protected and effectively managed.

The Foxton Locks HPA is a pilot project that is intended to become a template for British Waterways.  Foxton Locks was selected as it is a compact, multi-designated historic environment that contains high value heritage assets. A top priority for BW is to continue working with English Heritage, Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council so that together we can preserve and maintain this historic site.

The agreement is a positive step, allowing BW to engage more actively with the day to day management and development of the site, and specifically identified works to be carried out at the site without the need for lengthy consultations and approvals.

Dennis Maney, British Waterways’ heritage adviser, said: “As the third largest owner of listed buildings in the UK, this new partnership agreement is a real positive step forward for BW. We have worked extremely hard over the last few years improving the Foxton site for visitors, whilst still respecting and protecting the historical importance of the site. We are really very proud at what we have achieved.  This agreement proves we have the right skills and people to manage this unique historic site and avoids the need for repeated and time consuming consent applications when we want to carry out general maintenance works.”

Dr Anthony Streeten, Regional Development Director for English Heritage in the East Midlands said, “British Waterways has demonstrated its commitment to Foxton Locks over the years and the Heritage Partnership Agreement will reinforce confidence in carrying out the necessary work to preserve this important part of the Grand Union Canal’s history.  The lessons learned here will help us to fulfil the government's intention to streamline the protection of England's important heritage assets.”

Cllr Janette Ackerley, of Harborough District Council, said: “I’m very proud that we are part of this partnership. Foxton Locks is a very popular attraction within the district. I spent many happy hours watching boats go through the locks with my children and now my grandchildren can enjoy the magic”

Cllr Byron Rhodes, Deputy Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "The County Council is pleased to support this pioneering agreement that will ensure the efficient management of the Locks whilst making sure that this important heritage asset is properly looked after. Heritage assets like these are irreplaceable. This is an example of the types of heritage asset that Leicestershire County Council works hard to protect not only because of the unique historic value but also because it can make a real difference to the economic prosperity of this part of the County”

In 2009 BW care and maintenance spend at the site amounted to £160,000 with works including the draining of the entire lock flight to carry out repairs to the lock gates and rebuilding of some of the lock walls.

The agreement will work on the principle of a traffic light system. Each partner has agreed which works will require planning consent (i.e. large re-developments) and which permitted works fall under the terms on the agreement (i.e. replacing lock gates).

The performance of the HPA for Foxton Locks will be actively monitored by all partners and will run initially for a five year period.

CANALWAY CAVALCADE 2010

MAYDAY! MAYDAY! AT LONDON WATERWAYS FESTIVAL

Mayday! Mayday! Save Our System! is the cri de cœur from the organisers and the theme of this year’s premier Waterways event at Little Venice, this May Bank Holiday.  Waterways-loving actors Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales will open the event and join boaters, the local community and waterways enthusiasts from all over the country, to illustrate how well-preserved and maintained waterways can provide enjoyment for a myriad of participants from all walks of life.

Canalway Cavalcade is a major festival in the national canal calendar. It will take place from Saturday 1^st to Monday 3^rd May at Little Venice in Paddington, the capital’s most iconic canal venue, and one of its major tourist attractions. 

During the event, visitors see the area at its best, full of colourful narrowboats, bunting, barges and cruisers.  The programme includes a wide range of activities for all the family.  There will be floating events, boat trips, food stalls and a licensed bar, a trade and craft show, music, theatre and puppets.  There will be children’s activities, ranging from Giant Games to a Teddy Bears' Picnic.  There will be a themed pageant of decorated boats, a procession of illuminated boats and a parade of historic and working craft.

Canalway Cavalcade's profits are donated to the Inland Waterways Association which passes them on to a range of waterway causes, mainly waterway restoration schemes and community boat projects. Admission to the event is free.

DRAX ‘GETS THE DRIFT’ OF FREIGHT ON BRITAIN’S WATERWAYS

Trials for the waterborne transport of Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) from Drax Power Station took place recently, with nearly 1,200 tonnes shipment of PFA transported to Ireland, removing around 40 lorry loads from the road network and taking advantage of the most carbon efficient means of transporting freight.

Drax which produces approximately 1.4 million tonnes of PFA per year has traditionally exported this material by road, but has recently started to use alternate modes of transport. In partnership with ash sales agent Hargreaves Coal Combustion Products Ltd and specialist bulk handling company  TW Logistics Ltd, it was decided to take to the water and for the first time using Drax Power Station’s jetty on the River Ouse and trial the transport of this combustion by-product. PFA can be used for a number of purposes including the manufacture of concrete products and building blocks, as well as for structural fill.

Utilising waterborne freight, each ship is able to carry about 1,200 tonnes per trip. It is hoped that these trials could set the way for more permanent freight movements of PFA from Drax from the River Ouse jetty.

Britain's inland waterways provide a vital link between coastal and inland ports and major sites of manufacturing, industry and commerce. The network provides an environmentally sound and sustainable means of moving goods and materials from one place to another, reducing traffic congestion on roads and making a positive contribution to local communities.