A neglected stretch of canal will be restored

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is supporting a project to restore and reopen the Stonehouse to Brimscombe Port stretch of the Cotswold Canals.

The money will also be used to create an additional walking trail through to Saul Junction and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Many historic structures along the route will also be restored.

These include original canal features, bridges and old locks.

New wildlife habitats will also be created, helping protect rare species including bats, water voles and native crayfish.

Phase one of the restoration project is expected to cost around �25m.

The restored canal is expected to attract more than 250,000 people to the area each year.

Carole Souter, director of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "People love canals and the restoration of this waterway will enable an important part of the local heritage to become living history."