A GIANT bronze statue of pioneer canal builder James Brindley could form a centrepiece for the waterways redevelopment in Droitwich.

Members of the Droitwich Canals Trust (DCT) are pushing for a one-and-a-quarter lifesize sculpture of the 18th Century engineer on the barge canal he built.

And they are appealing for the public's help in raising the necessary £29,000 for the work.

"I think the suggestion that a statue of Brindley should be erected in the town deserves universal support," said Max Sinclair, DCT life president.

"All those with an interest in the economic future of the Droitwich as well as its industrial past should actively promote the concept.

"The transport miracle Brindley spread down the Salwarpe valley is worthy of international recognition and would attract visitors from all over the world."

Brindley's engineering of the Droitwich Barge Canal, coupled with the town's salt, played a major role in making the industrial revolution possible.

Canals provided the means of transportation and salt was essential for the preservation of food for the workers.

"It was quicker to walk from London to York than to travel with the Duke of York in his horse-drawn carriage," added Mr Sinclair.

"From Droitwich to the River Severn there were 15 recorded salt roads but only two or three were open at any one time with the rest being impassable.

"The Droitwich Canal Trust has taken on the mantle of a wonderful history and should be proudly telling the world to come and see the town. James Brindley had a huge part in that history."

James Brindley was born in Tunstall, near Buxton in Derbyshire in 1716. He set up business as a millwright in Leek, Staffordshire in 1742 and designed and built an engine for draining coal pits.

If given the go-ahead, the sculpture would be made by Worcester artist John McKenna and will depict Brindley demonstrating the art of clay puddling. Anyone who would like to find out more about the proposed statue should call Jon Axe on 0121 608 0296.