WATERWAYS-loving Spa folk have received a boost as a canal project, designed to massively regenerate the town, was awarded a whopping £3.09 million - meaning the scheme can finally get moving.

The project, which has been plagued by financial set backs, needed £11 million for the restoration of the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals.

Now the scheme is secure following the confirmation of funding from Advantage West Midlands.

It was the last remaining major hurdle to overcome and will mean British Waterways can get underway with the 7.5mile canal restoration.

The restoration of the canals will play a key role in the regeneration of the town centre and is reckoned to generate an additional £2.75 million per year in the Spa's economy.

It will complete a 21-mile canal loop linking the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to the River Severn.

British Waterways' project manager James Thompson said: "We now have an amazing £10m secured, which will allow the project to begin and we're very positive that we will be able to find the remaining £1m match funding during the delivery of the project."

Leader of Wychavon District Council and chairman of the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership, Martin Jennings, said: "The cash will now allow the project, which has been talked about for over 30 years, to finally happen.

"Wychavon District Council is grateful that Advantage West Midlands recognise the importance of this project in improving leisure and tourism facilities and in creating new employment opportunities."

Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust, Margaret Rowley said: "Droitwich Canals Trust was set up by local canal enthusiasts in 1973 to work towards the restoration of the Droitwich Canals. We are all delighted that this vision will now become a reality and look forward to seeing the full benefits the restored canals will bring to the local area and the waterway network."

The funding will be combined with the Heritage Lottery Fund grant for £4.6m, pledged funding of £2m from Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council and a number of smaller funders.

Now the Waterways Trust is helping to raise the funds still required. For more information call 0845 0700 710.