Decision due on barge canal plans

Campaigners should know by the end of the month if their bid to turn a barge canal in Worcestershire into a leisure facility has been successful.

The Droitwich Canal Trust plan to link Droitwich Barge Canal with the Worcester and Birmingham canal and the River Severn.

Advantage West Midlands and Heritage Lottery Fund will make an announcement on funding at the end of December.

The Trust was formed in 1973 to turn the waterway into a leisure attraction.

Worcestershire County Council and Droitwich District Council have pledged to grant some money for the redevelopment if it goes ahead.

The Droitwich Canal was the idea of Sir James Brindley, an 18th century engineer.

It has been in decline since the demise of the salt trade in the early 20th century.