AMBITIOUS plans to reopen the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal have been given a major boost with the news that funding is likely to be received for the crucial first phase of the project.

South Lakeland district councillor Andy Shine, who has long been involved with the scheme, told the latest full council meeting that Rural Regeneration Cumbria's grants panel had now agreed in principle to approve the funding of the design phase.

Supporters of the £60 million project, which will see the 14.5-mile stretch from Tewitfield, near Carnforth, to Canal Head, in Kendal, restored to its former route, have campaigned for the project to go-ahead for many years. Now it seems their perseverance has finally paid off.

The design phase is expected to cost around £750,000 and take two years. It will include the appointment of a full-time project manager and the employment of specialist consultants to carry out engineering studies, environmental impact assessments and property and planning work.

Coun Shine described the decision as a "major step forward" towards the restoration of the canal and praised officers and councillors for their work and support for the scheme.

See News - Focus for the full story.