River taxis proposal floated for sport fans

It is a common sight on a Saturday afternoon – City fans trudging along the banks of the River Soar to and from the Walkers Stadium.

Soon, however, supporters could be taking it easy and zooming up and down the river in water taxis.

A group drawing up a blueprint to regenerate the riverside thinks the boats could become a form of public transport.

It said river taxis could ease match-day congestion, stop anti-social parking and make it easier for fans to get to the stadium.

Although it stressed the idea was in its early stages, it envisages a series of pick-up and drop-off points along the Soar in the city.

Tigers fans could also use the service to get to the Welford Road ground, a short distance from the Walkers Stadium.

The Waterways Trust is at the head of a group, including the city and county councils and British Waterways, which has drawn up the River Soar and Grand Union Canal strategy.

Trust chairman Roger Hanbury said: "We have a lot of interesting ideas for encouraging people to make more use of the river.

"The river taxi concept is an interesting one, particularly given the number of football fans who walk along the Soar to every home game.

"We are consulting people on it and we want their views to see if it could become a proposal.

"We will have to do studies to see if a taxi service on the river is financially viable, but it is potentially a great idea."

Some Foxes fan agreed.

John Sutherington, 59, from Anstey, said: "I've been in the crowds of fans walking along the towpaths and I can tell you it is a long old walk, particularly if you've been beaten. River taxis would be fantastic and I think fans would use them.

"It would ease traffic congestion and help solve parking problems."

Richard Lodge, 26, from Tyrell Street, Leicester, said: "Taking a little trip could be a great part of the match-day experience, particularly for kids.

"You could have a little fleet of them all painted blue and named after some of the greats, like Lineker and Worthington."

Other parts of the strategy aim to improve the stretch of the river between Loughborough and Kilby Bridge, south of Wigston, by investing millions of pounds of private and public money.

Proposals include developing visitor hubs with improved tourism facilities at places such as Barrow upon Soar and Watermead Park, north of Leicester, as well as the possibility of setting up a floating stage for concerts and performances at Loughborough's £13 million Wharf redevelopment.

An aquatic life visitor centre has also been suggested, to teach people about the river as a habitat.

Leicestershire County Council project manager, Andy Hayes, said: "There's huge potential for the Soar and we have some interesting and exciting ideas.

"These include getting a team volunteer wardens to look after the river and report any problems to the authorities."

A consultation on the strategy ends on January 20.