Canal scheme backed by trust

Ambitious plans to transform and restore a stretch of north Shropshire canal have taken a major step forward after winning the support of waterways enthusiasts.

The Whitchurch Waterway Trust has backed plans to extend the canal through two bridges and create a new basin with moorings.

The project, which would cost in the region of £350,000, would bring canal boat users nearer to the town centre and become a tourist attraction for Whitchurch. It would leave scope for the canal to be extended even further towards the town centre in future using locks or an inclined plane.

No planning application has been tabled yet as the members of the trust's committee need to rubber-stamp the project, which won the backing of trust members at their meeting last night.

It is understood the trust is in talks with various funding bodies to secure the money for the project.