St John and St Anne charity in Rutland works with Oakham Canal Green Corrridor Project to make footpath more accessible

Rutland’s oldest charity and one of its newest have signed an agreement which leads the way to a more accessible footpath through woods and grassland near Oakham canal.

St John and St Anne, which dates back to 1399, has granted permission to the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project, which gained charitable status in October 2020, to improve the one kilometre winding path which runs on SJSA land west of the canal. The towpath is on the eastern bank.

The aim of St John and St Anne is to provide social housing for older people in need but also has a remit to contribute to the community so it welcomed the opportunity to formalise usage of this track and make it a better experience for walkers and dog owners.

Chairman of governors David Pattinson said: "We are happy to contribute to anything that makes Rutland a better place to live.”

The canal project which was set up to preserve and maintain the Oakham Canal is led by Paul Dadford, one of the trustees. Their volunteers will clear overhanging foliage from the path to maintain its width and they will make the more challenging sections safer. With plans to install signage, fencing, gates and a new ramp, they would welcome more volunteers. Anyone able to help them do this, should contact them through their website at www.oakhamcanal.org

Their eventual aim is to provide accessible pathways, along the the route of the canal, between the town centre and Oakham Enterprise Park. If you would like to know more about the history of the canal, the charity runs guided walks, with details of how to sign up for these on their website.