CAMPAIGNERS for the restoration of the historic Droitwich Canals are on the crest of a wave after the announcement of a multi-million pound grant.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is jubilant the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed £4,658,000 funding towards the re-opening of the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals.

And he believes it will be plain sailing in the quest to put the £9m restoration project in force within four years.

Mr Luff - vice president of the Droitwich Canals Trust which has campaigned on the issue for 31 years - said the scheme would have huge spin-offs for both in Droitwich and Worcester.

"This will make the area a mecca for boaters," he said. "Not only will it benefit Droitwich but it will have a tremendous impact on Diglis Basin in Worcester."

Restoration

The project would be the first weekend touring ring in the country - meaning boaters will be able to complete a 21-mile circular tour from Worcester, via Droitwich, and back to the Faithful City in a weekend.

The restoration of the canals has been in the pipeline for 30 years.

It is predicted the scheme will change the face of Droitwich, transforming the canals into a major tourist and leisure attraction, creating nearly 100 jobs.

It is also expected to attract 330,000 visitors to the area each year, generating nearly £3m annually in revenue.

The project has already secured £1m funding from Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council.

And the MP is confident the remaining £2m funding from Advantage West Midlands is a formality.

"The announcement ends years of uncertainty and disappointment and is a huge shot in the arm for Droitwich," said Mr Luff.

"The local councils have been magnificent in their unflagging enthusiasm for the scheme and British Waterways has done a really superb job in managing the whole project.

"But the real accolade must go the hard working volunteers of the Droitwich Canals Trust who have kept the dream of re-opening the canals alive during some very dark days."