A CANAL restoration project is one step closer to completion as three major partners prepare to sign the contracts that will get the scheme under way.

Worcestershire County Council, British Waterways and Wychavon District Council are due to sign on the dotted line in the next two weeks, enabling major work to start on the £11m project for the Droitwich Barge and Junction canals.

Project manager James Thompson said: "The timescale hasn't changed and we are hoping that works will be complete towards the end of 2008, for the start of the boating season in Easter 2009."

Advantage West Midlands and the Heritage Lottery Fund will provide £7.5m towards the project, with the councils set to invest £1m each.

A £1m deficit will be met through fund-raising, with the remaining money being provided by British Waterways.

When complete, the project will create a loop linking the River Severn with the Worcester And Birmingham Canal.