A SHORTAGE of volunteers has meant the new visitor centre for the Cotswold Canal Project, based at the former Bell Hotel in Stroud, is yet to open.

The Cotswold Canals Trust signed a lease to use part of the building in April and it was hoped the centre would open at the beginning of July.

But this has been delayed because of volunteers taking summer holidays.

Meanwhile works on the canal at Wallbridge, where the A46 and the A419 cross, has seen motorists quickly adapt to a new road layout.

The temporary diversion directs traffic around a closed old bridge, too low to permit the passage of boats, which will be demolished.

A new bridge will be built, so the canal can be restored underneath.

Clive Field, project manager, said: "We are very pleased with how things are going in Stroud at the moment.

"There were a few teething problems as expected, but traffic seems to be flowing freely without much of a delay."

A live webcam of the works has been set up by Cotswold Canals Trust at www.mymatedave.co.uk/wallbridge.

You can also follow progress of the project at www.twitter.com/cotswoldcanals The project needs volunteers to help with everything from scrub clearing to bricklaying and paperwork to excavating. For more information contact Jon Pontefract on 01453 754287 or jon.pontefract@stroud.gov.uk