First boat in eight decades unlocks new canal era for town

2 September 2010

The first canal boat to travel along the Barge Canal in around eighty years will usher in a new era of ‘canal mania’ for Droitwich – bringing with it the potential for a windfall of visitor spend for the local economy.

A fully restored Barge Canal means the vision of a 21-mile continuous cruising ring around the scenic heartland of Worcestershire is close to reality, with just the short link of the Junction Canal scheduled to open in 2011.

British Waterways Senior Regeneration Manager Jason Leach said we are delighted to be welcoming boats back into Droitwich in time to participate in the Salt Day celebrations on Saturday 11th September in the town.

“At the event we will be launching the Mid Worcestershire Ring’s Audio Trail and providing information on the routes,” he said.

“It’s especially rewarding to see all the diverse efforts of groups and individuals coming to fruition after decades of planning and spadework. This £12m project to restore the Barge and Junction Canals will unlock the entire ring, a green waterway corridor for communities and a magnet for visiting boaters,” he added.

Volunteer partnerships have been at work along the canal corridor for many years, focusing on sites of natural importance. This is only the start of the new life for the canal and there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in the volunteer programme. Interested individuals and groups should contact suzanne.byrne@britishwaterways.co.uk

ENDS

Media enquiries to: British Waterways Marketing & Communications Manager Michelle Kozomara on 01606 723854 or 07917899222.

Notes to Editors
• 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 with funding secured from Advantage West Midlands, Heritage Lottery Fund, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and Inland Waterways Association. Additional funding has come from the Welcome to our futures, Awards for all and the Dulverton Trust.