DETAILS of the first major construction challenge for leaders of the canal regeneration project have been revealed to the SNJ this week.

Upper Mills Bridge at Stonehouse would be replaced with a new concrete crossing and officials also plan to build a slipway for the launching of boats.

The work by the Cotswold Canals Trust, which would cost more than £200,000, would allow a dredger to pass under to clear out the 2km stretch of water between Ocean and Ryeford Double Lock.

Neville Nelder, development project manager at the charity, said: "This is the lead major project in the regeneration between Stonehouse and Brimscombe.

"It is the start of the main restoration work and it shows that work is really getting underway."

Plans focus on the Stroudwater Canal off the A419 at Upper Mills Industrial Estate where the current metal bridge was built when the watercourse was closed in 1954.

Officials hope to replace the bridge, which provides access to the estate, with a concrete culvert to allow both a dredger and later boats to once again pass through.

A contractor would have to move the canal course by about six metres along a distance of about 70 to 80 metres by shifting tonnes of earth in order to make both banks a similar height.

The new bridge, capable of carrying 44-tonne lorries, would be constructed out of reinforced concrete with red brick facing - similar to nearby Downton Road Bridge.

Officials also hope to build one of the few slipways that will be eventually sited along the canal course in the Stroud valleys.

A towpath would also be reinstated with slight chicanes to deter speeding cyclists.

Access to the industrial estate would be maintained throughout the work with a temporary causeway.

Wycliffe College and Gloucestershire County Council, which own the adjoining land, have agreed in principle to the project.

A planning application was made to Stroud District Council on Thursday.

If it is granted, work is expected to start in early September and finish before Christmas. The canals trust will soon launch an appeal to help fund the project.