[18 Aug 2006]

Plans to restore the Cotswold Canals between Stonehouse and Saul have moved a step closer after an application by the Cotswold Canals Partnership was shortlisted for a £16 million award by the Big Lottery Living Landmarks fund.

Should the proposals be successful Stroud will be reconnected to the 37-mile long Cotswold Canals network for the first time in 65 years. Boats will then be able to travel from Gloucester and Bristol all the way through Stroud to Brimscombe Port.


However, the project has also been designed to create a new wildlife wetland corridor stretching across the Stroud District, working with young people on a local and a national basis to provide innovative solutions to today's rural-urban environment.

Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, Stroud District Council's cabinet member for regeneration, commented: "This is excellent news for all supporters of the canal project and is another major step forward towards the goal of restoring the navigation from the River Severn to the River Thames."

As one of the organisations shortlisted for the £16 million grant the Cotswold Canals Partnership has received a development grant of £250,000 to further the application process.

Final applications to the Big Lottery Fund must be made by the end of May 2007, with the winners will be announced in late August 2007.