Historic canal milepost restored to its rightful place

Monday, 16 January 2023 11:37

MP Alicia Kearns unveiled the restored milepost. Credit: Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project

An historic canal milepost, not used for 170 years, has now been restored to its rightful position – by the side of the old canal route. A project that aims to improve access to places like canals and footpaths, has been hard at work to restore not just the milepost, but the heritage of the canal itself to the local community.

A community project to improve access and awareness of the Oakham and Melton Canal has had an historic milepost lovingly restored at the side of the canal course, near Oakham Bypass.

The Green Corridor project came from an idea 8 years ago and has improved footpaths and walkways thanks to volunteers. Project manager Paul Dadford says the interest in what they are doing is growing all the time:

“We’ve got over a thousand followers on Facebook,” says Paul, “and we’ve got 30 or 40 volunteers that come out and help us with these projects. We’ve had local companies involved, and the support that we’ve got from both the councils and from individuals and the companies has been fantastic, just unbelievable really.”

The Oakham Canal was a part of the Melton Mowbray Navigation Canal, and opened in 1802. As the railways gradually became the principle mode of goods transport towards the mid 19^th century, the canal closed. Today, though, the canal course is still highly visible and an important part of local heritage.

For more information on the Oakham Canal and Green Corridor project please click here:

Oakham Canal | Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project | Oakham