AN IMPORTANT piece of transport heritage is to be restored in preparation for a new golden age' of the canal system.

British Waterways has pledged to restore all 80 of the listed buildings in its ownership which are classed as at risk' - including the eight-flight Tewitfield Locks on the Lancaster Canal near Carnforth.

British Waterways say the plan to rejuvenate the locks will be rm part of a multi-million pound restoration of the Northern Reaches, eventually leading to the reopening of the 14-mile stretch of canal from Lancaster to Kendal.

The Northern Reaches Restoration Group estimates that when completed, the new canal will create around 2,000 jobs, attract one million extra visitors and generate £14 million for the local economy.