'Dangerous' weeds on the banks of council-controlled stretch of Grantham Canal
The weeds surrounding Grantham canal have been described as “dangerous for kids”.
The stretch between Trent Road and Swingbridge Road has overgrown weeds which are in need of attention from South Kesteven District Council, which is responsible for that part of the waterway.
Further problems have been caused by the recent hot weather, as the lowering water levels have reduced the oxygen available to fish, causing a small number to die.
Jim Wheeldon, the water bailiff for Grantham Angling Association, said: “The weeds are so bad you can’t see the edge of the bank at all. It’s dangerous for kids.
“The water level is down. The other part of the canal, up as far as the A1, isn’t bad because the Canal and Rivers Trust has been pulling water out of Denton Reservoir to top it up.
“But they don’t do that here because the trust doesn’t look after this stretch of the canal, the council does.”
A spokesperson for SKDC responded. They said: “Grantham Canal is currently suffering low water levels due to the prolonged spell of hot, dry weather.
“South Kesteven District Council investigations have shown that while a small number of fish have unfortunately died, those observed in the water appeared to be healthy.
“Some were spawning, which they would not do if they were distressed.
“Council officers will continue regular patrols of the canal to monitor the situation.
“More changeable weather is forecast for June and any rainfall will help water levels recover.”
Jim also warns the public of the presence of adders by the canal, especially dog walkers.
He is advising dog walkers to be careful with their pets when next to the canal, advising them not to allow their dog to sniff in the overgrown banks where they could get bitten.