Date:
(News source: published on behalf of the Basingstoke Canal Authority)
In line with the Government’s social distancing and stay at home guidance, the Basingstoke Canal Authority is requesting residents to limit their use of the towpath. The Basingstoke Canal remains open to residents whose properties have rights of way access and to walkers.
A Basingstoke Canal Authority spokesperson said: “With hundreds of entry points along the canal, it is not practical to close the towpath. To encourage people to follow the Government guidance, we are installing additional signage to encourage people to follow Government guidance. However, this requires residents to act responsibly – if it’s too busy, please take your exercise elsewhere.
“Over the weekends, we have seen hundreds of people using the towpath, and at that level of use it is very difficult to keep your distance, especially if you are cycling or running. Unfortunately, if use of the towpath doesn’t reduce, we may have to temporarily withdraw the permission for cycling on the towpath to relieve pressure on this popular area.”
The authority is respectfully requesting residents to:
- run or cycle elsewhere at this time
- not stop, picnic or sunbathe
- give walkers respect and keep your distance
- consider walking elsewhere on other local paths.
Read more about the authority's COVID-19 response