More cash for Dudley project

THE Dudley Canal Trust have secured further funding towards its new Portal Project, receiving £100,000 from The Garfield Weston Foundation.

The money will make a considerable difference to the project, which is a state of the art new visitor centre, with schools, community groups and the general public benefiting from the new facilities.

Improve facilities

The Garfield Weston Foundation join other grant giving bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund in supporting the project, which will dramatically improve facilities available to visitors at the Trust's Todd's End site, with Chairman Mike Duley of the Project Steering Group responding:

"This latest contribution to our project, from the Garfield Weston Foundation, is a vital addition to our fundraising. The Portal would simply not be possible without our generous funders. It is thanks to them that we look forward to welcoming visitors to our new building next year."

Enhance the connection

The Portal will enhance the connection between the Dudley Canal and Limestone Mines and the Castle Hill Development Project including the nearby Black County Living Museum, giving visitors to both attractions new opportunities to explore both sites. In addition to new car parking, a swing bridge across the canal, and a covered area for people embarking on boat trips, there will be more volunteering opportunities for people to get involved in protecting, conserving and learning about the heritage of the area.

Construction on the new building will start before the end of the year, with the building opening by the middle of next year.