River Soar flooding frustrates Leicester tow-path users

By Jack Follis

Leicester residents have been rocked by the flooding of rivers after heavy rain and storms lashed the UK.

One of these was the River Soar, which broke its banks last week and saw the canal path submerged by water.

This meant that people who regularly walk their dogs, cycle or run along the river could not use the path.

Amanda Jamieson, 48, who walks her dog by the canal, said: “The last few days have been very strange. I usually walk my dog Bertie along here for an hour a day, but because of the flooding and the weather in general, we haven’t been able to.

“It’s frustrating for both of us because we both enjoy the exercise, so it’s good to see that it’s not subsiding a bit and hopefully getting back to normal.”

Another regular user of the path, cyclist Jon Kelly, 31, said: “I use the path as a short cut to get to and from work, otherwise I have to go through town and it takes an extra half an hour or so.

“I did consider using the path anyway because it didn’t look too deep, but you can’t see where the path is going and if you swerve too far towards the river, there’s every chance you could fall in and get swept along with the current.

“Although my journey took a bit longer in horrible weather, there’s no way I would risk it. I’m glad the path is starting to clear.”  ­

The path has now cleared and is safe for the public to use again.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•