MORE lighting, bins and benches would improve stretches of Worcestershire's canals, according to locals.

Yesterday your Worcester News published a story asking residents to share their ideas on how to improve and make the most of the county's historic canals.

A number of people took to Facebook and the newspaper's website to voice their opinions on what could be done to improve the waterways.

Michelle Norma Jean Tully said: "We need more benches, dog poo bins and regular bins, and the nettles need to be cut down more regularly," while Siân Davis suggested "lots of nice murals to brighten up some of the drab concrete".

Maria Taggio said: "A bit of a tidy up but leave it as natural as possible for the wildlife, which is fantastic around there. If it's too preened the wildlife will move away. More bee friendly flowers and more bins. A little bit more lighting in the darker spots for security would be good and maybe few security cameras."

Leigh Cartlidge echoed the idea of a clean up.

He said: "The canal from Sidbury Lock down to Diglis Marina is often full of rubbish. I see plastic bottles, bags, shoes, and other waste floating in vast quantities. This stretch of the canal is very populated with ducks and swans that live around the marina. It should be cleaned up firstly for the sake of the animals and secondly for the general public to enjoy."

Other suggestions included water pumps being installed to provide drinking water and more regular dredging, and better upkeep of the pathway surfaces.

The Canal and River Trust — the charity that cares for the waterway — is holding a spring forum on Wednesday, June 10 at 6.30pm at Sixways where people can have their say on what improvements could be made to the canals.

David Hagg, chair of the South Wales and Severn waterway partnership, said: “These kinds of events are a fantastic way for everyone involved in the canal to find out what’s going on around the waterway and give their views on how we keep it special. I’d urge anyone who’s interested in the canal’s future to come along, from boaters to canoeists, anglers, cyclists and walkers.”