Folkestone and Hythe District Council has provided much-needed funding to replace the council’s rowing boats on the Royal Military Canal in Hythe.
Following full council approval, in 2019 the fleet of 20 new boats are now in use on the canal, securing the long term future of the service for at least 25 years.
100 years of rowing
The rowing boat hire service is a popular historical feature of Hythe’s Royal Military Canal and has seen boats available for hire for over 100 years.
The council previously owned 20 rowing boats which had been in use for over 30 years.
Following full council approval in 2019 the fleet of 20 new boats are now in use on the canal, securing the long term future of the service for at least 25 years.
A council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to have been able to invest in the future of this popular row boat hire service. The boats have been an iconic feature of Hythe for many years and are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
“This investment will secure a historically significant leisure facility and will continue to support the health and wellbeing of everyone using this service.”
The row boat service is operated by a third party under licence on behalf of F&HDC. The new boats came into use when the rowing boat hire service re-opened on Monday 12 April – In line with the government roadmap.