Victory in sight for canal scheme

A 40-year battle to breathe new life into the historic Shrewsbury and Newport canal looks set to end in victory thanks to a six-figure-sum cash injection, it was revealed today.Telford & Wrekin Council is remaining tight-lipped about the exact size of the funding but it is believed to be a six-figure sum. It will be used to buy the stretch of the canal, warehouse buildings and the basin at Wappenshall, near Newport.

Members of Telford and Wrekin Council's ruling cabinet last night agreed to stump up the money to get the restoration ball rolling.

The move was described as "wonderful" by leaders of the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust.

The decision will have to be ratified at a meeting of the full council on June 26 but if it is rubberstamped it will pave the way for the trust and the authority to work in partnership to redevelop the site, bring it back into use and create a new magnet for visitors.

Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I think this is a bold recommendation we will be taking to council but is one that shows just how serious we are about regeneration in this borough."

Trust chairman Chris Chambers said: "It's wonderful. We have been fighting since 1968 to make this a reality and now, after all these years, to get something tangible, to get Telford & Wrekin on board, is super."