Foxton Locks to temporarily reopen to boaters
Foxton Locks in Leicestershire is set to be temporarily reopened after being closed due to low water levels in July.
The Canal and River Trust said the site, near Market Harborough, will be open for a week between 27 October and 2 November.
The locks will be open from 10:00 BST to 15:00, with the last boat allowed in at 14:00. Locks between Kibworth Top Lock and Kings Lock will also be open between 10:00 and 15:00.
A spokesperson for the trust said reservoir levels were still "well below" what would be normally expected for this time of the year.
"We're really pleased that recent rainfall has at least allowed us to reopen locks for a short period and enable boaters to get to where they need to be ahead of winter.
"While recent wet weather has been very welcome, it's not been enough to make up for the prolonged dry weather we've experienced for the majority of the year.
"Reservoir holdings are still well below what we would normally expect for this time of year, so we still need to be careful with our water and allow our reservoirs to refill ahead of next year's boating," the trust spokesperson said.
The trust said the decision to close the Grade II-listed site in July was a decision that "had not been taken lightly".
'Lifeblood of canals'
Figures from the trust showed Saddington Reservoir, the nearest to the locks, was still only at 25% capacity last month.
"Our volunteer lock keepers will be opening up the locks each day, helping boaters to return to their home moorings or get to essential services, and enabling boating businesses to make the most of the final weeks of autumn.
"Boats are the lifeblood of our historic canals and it will be fantastic to see them making their way through Foxton Locks once more," the trust spokesperson added.
The site is set in 34 acres (14 hectares) and attracts more than 400,000 visitors a year, according to the trust.
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