On the verge of complete restoration

Published: Wednesday, 09 June 2010

THOUGH people at Droitwich are complaining that the restoration of the Barge Canal has come to a stop, British Waterways has contacted the local newspaper and told that it was 'on the verge of complete restoration'.

People are concerned that the project stopped completely, with no sign of any activity on the restoration whatsoever.

Economic downturn

Jason Leach, for British Waterways stressed that although progress had slowed 'due to the economic downturn' they were 'on the verge of  complete restoration', explaining:

"The many partners and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over many decades to restore these canals are excited at the prospect of the Barge Canal opening by the end of the year.

"One or two issues remain. Once resolution of these is achieved we will then be in a position to confirm the dates."

Linear park

The Barge Canal is a £11.5m restoration project, and British Waterways describes it as 'creating a 21 miles linear park and canal loop with new wildlife habitats, and expected  to generate more than 320,000 new visitors to the area within five years, with an additional £2.75m spent in the local economy annually'.