The area is estimated to attract 225,000 visitors each year

A process has begun which may result in the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) money being given to Stourport Canal Basins in Worcestershire.

Although the HLF has not yet guaranteed the funding, British Waterways is now able to continue with the second stage of its application.

The majority of the �1.7m would be used to repair and restore the 250-year-old canal basins.

Water voles

A grant of �25,000 has been made by the HLF for British Waterways to spend on some of the detailed planning that is necessary if the full award is to be made.

The HLF said that, as plans develop, the canal basins and their historic setting will be targeted for repair and restoration.

An archaeological survey is also planned, as is an investigation into the wellbeing of wildlife in the area.

Bats, otters, water voles and crayfish are thought to live at the site, along with a number of other important or rare species.

'Exciting opportunity'

The HLF said better signage and new access routes would improve the connections between the basins and other parts of the town.

Stourport-on-Severn, whose canal basin was opened as early as 1772, developed rapidly because of its role as a major inland port on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.

Many buildings and structures associated with the operation of the canal have survived and, as the site falls within a Conservation Area, several are now listed.

Anne Jenkins, HLF regional manager for the West Midlands, said: "This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for Stourport.