Delight over canal grant (From Stroud News and Journal)

Delight over canal grant

CANAL plans received a boost this week with the announcement of a further £575,000 grant aid.

The latest promise of cash for the Stroudwater Canal came from the Regional Development Agency which has agreed to fund further feasibility studies and to flesh out plans to regenerate areas along the canal corridor.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has already contributed more than £400,000 towards feasibility studies and it is hoped the work will unlock a further £11.3 million earmarked for the scheme by the Lottery.

Phase One of the canal plan which comes with a £25 million price tag would see a six mile stretch from Stonehouse to Brimscombe opened up.

Andrew Stumpf, British Waterways' regeneration manager said: "We are delighted to have received this further commitment towards this fantastic project which will bring huge leisure, environmental and economic benefits to Stroud and beyond.

"This money is vital to enable us to plan the project in detail so that we can submit our second stage bids for £11.3 million to the Heritage Lottery Fund and £6 million to the South West RDA in August."

Gloucestershire county councillor Bill Hobman, cabinet responsible for the environment and sustainable development said: "This is good news as this project cannot succeed without regional support.

"This is not just about restoring a canal, but about helping local communities, regenerating derelict sites, plus the potential for excellent tourism.

"This does need careful planning before works can commence, and this money is a major step forward."

Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, Stroud District Council's cabinet member for regeneration and tourism, said: "It is encouraging to hear that financial support is being given by the Regional Development Agency for this major project.

"I look forward to the securing of their full commitment so that work on the ground can begin in earnest."

The Cotswold Canals Trust has pledged to raise £1 million of match funding and The Waterways Trust hopes to raise a total of £125,000 from its public appeal over the course of the first phase of restoration work.

SB