Boats will return to the Grantham Canal stretch for the first time in 90 years after the dredging project is completed, reports the Canal & River Trust.
The dredging works are taking place through a joint partnership with the Trust and Grantham Canal Society, with funding made possible thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The project complements a separate scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore two locks on the canal.
Works on Lock 15 were completed last year with volunteers taking it apart, piece by piece, after its 200 year old walls deteriorated. The volunteers laid new foundations, completely rebuilt the lock walls and created new lock moorings.
Much of the material removed from the canal as part of the dredging project is set to be re-used in the landscaping around Lock 15.
Karen Rice, project manager for the Trust , said: “ It’s an incredibly exciting period in the canal’s long history, with the restoration of the two locks, there’s a real sense of momentum. If people want to get involved and play their part in the restoration of this fantastic canal we’d love to hear from them. ”
David Lyneham-Brown, chief executive officer of the Grantham Canal Society , said: “ When this section is fully dredged it will add two locks and over half a mile to the navigable eastern end of the canal – another major step in the restoration process. It would be fantastic to see more people join us in this latest endeavor .”