Canals 'could boost' Kidderminster

10:50am Thursday 24th July 2008

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CANAL transport could play a part in Kidderminster’s economy and improve its green credentials, it has been claimed.

The idea was discussed last night at Wyre Forest District Council’s regeneration and enterprise committee meeting.

In a consultation before the publication of the council’s Kidderminster Regeneration Prospectus, the Inland Waterways Association said canals could provide a green alternative to road transport.

The statement said: “The canals can provide green transport and be used for the carriage of freight.

“With the canal at the bottom of the British Sugar site, there are opportunities for water-based freight movement.”

Some councillors at the committee thought it was a good idea.

Liberal member, Fran Oborski, chairman of the committee, said: “Birmingham has demonstrated, with the regeneration of Gas Street Basin, that canals can be a very useful part of a city.”

Labour councillor, Mike Kelly, said the council should not rule out using the canals for passenger transport either.

He added: “We might not be able to make it happen for some time but it could be possible.”