Waterways are still catalysts and millions are benefiting in communities throughout the UK

George Greener British Waterways

It has been estimated there are between 20,000 and 25,000 boats on the British Waterways network and a similar number on the River Thames.

The first phase, to open some 220 miles of canals and structures, will be completed in 2002 and included the Anderton Boat Lift.

The pioneering lift was built in 1875 to carry cargo carrying boats between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal 50ft above. It will reopen on 26 March.

The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland is the world's first ever rotating boat lift and will open to the public on 1 May.

New canal

A programme of nine further canal restoration and new waterway schemes will be unveiled by British Waterways in partnership with independent charity, the Waterways Trust.

Covering 100 miles of waterways, from London to the Lake District, the programme includes the first new canal to be designed for a century, the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway.

George Greener, chairman of British Waterways said: "Canals were catalysts for economic growth two centuries ago, and with our partners we're restoring and opening them as fast as they were originally built.

"Today, waterways are still catalysts and millions are benefiting in communities throughout the UK.

"Our current programme is set to deliver �100 million into local economies every year, from Scotland to the south of England, and to create 13,000 new permanent jobs."

Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust said: "Accessible to all, rich in heritage and important havens for wildlife, inland waterways provide a peaceful and tranquil environment for everyone."

The other restorations are: