Droitwich Canals Restoration Project Gets Green Light

22 January 2008

Confirmation of planning has been announced today for the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. This means that work can now officially get under way on the main restoration works on the line of the canal.

Chairman of the Droitwich Canals' Restoration Partnership, Councillor Paul Middlebrough said: "It is fantastic that the project has now moved from the planning to the implementation phase. At long last there is soon going to be visible engineering work that will show the years of preparation have been worthwhile."

During the Spring months the priority will be to focus on the area of the canal around the M5 including constructing a new lock into the River Salwarpe from the old line of the canal alongside Hanbury Road near Swan Drive on the Hanbury Park estate. This will build on the access work that has already taken place at Salwarpe; around Briar Mill (road) in Droitwich; and the recently constructed reedbed at Coney Meadow to the west of Droitwich.

James Thompson , Project Manager for lead partner British Waterways commented: "This is a brilliant step forward and is really the proper beginning of the main restoration. A huge amount of work has been done to date by all in the partners and we all look forward to the reopening of these two great canals."

Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said: "Droitwich Canals Trust has been working towards restoring the canals since 1973. Now that the project has cleared the final hurdle we are delighted that the early vision is about to become reality."

Councillor Alwyn Davies for Worcestershire County Council added: "What should be the most positive aspect of this project is the economic development prospects, with the creation of so many new jobs, and tourists spending money in the area. This will put not only Droitwich on the map, but Worcestershire as a whole, and indeed Worcester should also benefit greatly."

Restoration of the locks along the Barge Canal between Droitwich and the River Severn and the creation of a navigable tunnel under the A449 will take place during 2008. Making a section of the River Salwarpe navigable to replace the former Junction Canal between Vines Park and Swan Drive is planned towards the end of the programme in 2009.

Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust added: "We are absolutely delighted the restoration project has received planning approval; this is a very important project for Droitwich, Worcestershire and the West Midlands as a whole. The Partnership still needs to raise £1million, everyone can help by supporting the Droitwich Canals Appeal at www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk. Each contribution will help ensure we create this living legacy for present and future generations to enjoy."

The restoration project will bring plenty of benefits for the local community in and around Droitwich Spa thanks principally to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands. Increased canal access provided by the scheme will attract more visitors to the area, therefore, increasing its potential to attract more business opportunities and jobs for the people of Droitwich. Natural wildlife habitats will be protected and the historic site will be conserved for future generations to enjoy for years to come.

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For further information, an interview or a photograph please contact British Waterways' Relationship Manager Annabel Smith Tel: 01827 252036.

The Droitwich Canals' Restoration Partnership was established in 2000 between British Waterways, Droitwich Canals Trust, The Waterways Trust, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council in order to further the restoration project creating a linear canal park and establishing a 21 mile cruising ring.

Both the Junction and Barge Canals are set to be fully restored by 2009 following the confirmation of £3 million funding from Advantage West Midlands announced in June. This grant triggered already promised funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council. Additional funding has come from the Government's Liveability Project and Sport England.

British Waterways cares for and maintains the nation's 2,000 mile network of canals and inland waterways, working in partnership with private companies, local authorities, voluntary groups and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.

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