THE rising popularity of canals is bringing more visitors and more money to Stourport, it has been claimed.

And the town, which owes its existence to canals, could soak up more spin-offs if British Waterways' plans to rebuild the former Lichfield basin go ahead.

The main basin is full in summer and both boatyards have noticed the boom in boat ownership.

Darren Cook, general manager of Severn Valley Boat Centre, said the firm had quit hiring to concentrate on construction and was expanding to cope with demand.

"We build about 15 boats a year whereas five years ago we were building two or three for the private boat market. We now employ nine people but we're looking for more people to come and work for us - in about 12 months' time if we continue to grow we'll have 12 people."

He added: "The canals do bring in people to Stourport and the basins are so close to the town centre.

"But more should be made of it. If the Lichfield basin is opened we could offer far more moorings. About 50 per cent of our customers want to live on their boats and this is how you could get more people into Stourport."

"We're doing less hiring but more building," said Keith Staiger, owner of Stroudwater Cruisers. "And particularly residential boats for more and more people, often young people, who can't afford a house."

Russell Hinton, chairman of Stourport Business Association, said the Tesco and Lidl supermarkets by the canal were very busy, partly due to waterborne visitors.

But he added Bridge Street and York Street needed to be smartened up and better signs provided.

Waterway manager Tony Harvey said British Waterways was keen to invest in Stourport and it was "highly likely" the company would reopen the former Lichfield basin.

He added the firm was also looking to improve visitor facilities at the present basin and develop buildings it owned, including the historic former Tontine hotel.