HERITAGE guardians in Stourport have welcomed a £1.7 million cash boost to regenerate Stourport's Canal Basins.

British Waterways and partners who developed the successful bid for the Heritage Lottery Fund - HLF - learned this week the money would be made available to restore the basins, surrounding canal and riverside areas.

Seventy new jobs are expected to be created in the wake of the announcement and additional income of £1.7 million to the town could result.

Pauline Annis, chairman of Stourport Civic Society, said: "The successful outcome of this application is the product of several years' behind-the-scenes work by regional British Waterways' staff from Fazeley, near Tamworth, and local organisations, such as Stourport Civic Society, who have supported them.

"For some time, the civic society has argued that Stourport needs a new, more positive image.

"The restoration of the main basin area, the redevelopment of the Lichfield Basin and the £500,000 Market Towns' Initiative funding provide tremendous opportunities for the economic regeneration of Stourport."

She added: "Stourport's past prosperity was based on the canal and basins.

"These will now form the focus for Stourport's future prosperity and bring an awareness of its unique heritage to a wider audience."

Works, which could start later this year, will include restoring historic warehouses, cottages around the basins, as well as improvements to the locks, basin walls and basins.

Landscaping and access would be carried out, together with environmental improvements and nature conservation.

Tony Harvey, British Waterways' general manager, said: "Waterways provide a catalyst for urban and rural regeneration, bringing visitors into the heart of village communities, towns and city centres, encouraging long-term, sustainable development."

Wyre Forest district councillor, James Dudley, cabinet member for environment and economic regeneration, said: "We have been eagerly awaiting this good news for several months.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund money will be used to transform Stourport Basins and contribute greatly to the regeneration of the area.

"Not only will it provide an ample amenity for residents but it will also improve the quality of tourism in Stourport."

Anne Jenkins, HLF regional manager, said: "The canals are a strong part of our heritage in the West Midlands so I'm pleased that work can now begin."