Appeal to restore town canals nears total
The appeal to raise the final £1 million needed to restore the historic canals in Droitwich, Worcestershire has been given a major boost with a grant of £300,000 from regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands. This grant brings the appeal total to over £700,000.
Hundreds of Worcestershire residents and waterways enthusiasts from across the country have already shown their support for the landmark project by donating thousands of pounds to the appeal and, as the Junction Canal nears completion, people living in the county are being urged to dig deep. Kim Chester, Development Manager for The Waterways Trust, the charity behind the fundraising appeal, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the donations received so far and this second grant from Advantage West Midlands is fantastic news. People have been really imaginative in how they have raised money for the project, from taking part in sponsored cycle rides to asking for donations rather than gifts for a major anniversary.” Be part of it
Kim continued: “This is a hugely important project for Worcestershire and we are urging businesses, residents and workers the county to be part of it by making a donation to the appeal. A donation of £86.95 will help to restore a meter of the canal. This can be a super way to record your support for the restoration or make a commemorative gift for someone close to you.” People donating £86.95 and above will have their support commemorated on a special plaque to be placed in Vines Park, Droitwich once the canals have been restored. The restoration
The Droitwich Canals are undergoing a £11.5m restoration programme to create a 12km long linear park. The Barge Canal was constructed in 1771 and is reputedly the oldest canal in England, while the Junction Canal, built in 1839 is one of the youngest. Their construction was tremendously important to the fortunes of the local area. At the turn of the century, the canals brought prosperity to the region enabling Droitwich to transport salt from its mines around the country. Once the vibrant centre of the town’s commerce and industry, over the past seventy years these canals have slid into disuse and are now neglected and ignored. Through this restoration project, the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership will bring life back to these historic waterways by creating a 21-mile linear park along the length of the canals which will provide a place to relax and visit the countryside with walks, boat trips, picnic sites and play areas. Once complete it will generate over 320,000 new visits to the area within five years, with an additional spend of £2.75m per annum in the local economy. The special environment that has developed along the canals will also be conserved and enhanced, providing a haven for wildlife. To find out more about the restoration appeal and to make a donation visit www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk or call 0845 0700 710.
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