MEP Liz Lynne recently visited Droitwich to inspect canal work being carried out by volunteers.

Her whistle-stop tour of the town led her to Hanbury Wharf, where Droitwich Canal Trust volunteers are working to make the canal towpath accessible for people with disabilities.

As a vice-president of Droitwich Canals Trust, Ms Lynne has been following the restoration plans with interest. A report on the accessibility of the canals highlighted problems at Hanbury Wharf, where the only way down to the towpath was by steps.

The Canals Trust is constructing a ramp suitable for use by everyone including wheelchair users. It is also hoped this will enable the Pamela May, a narrow boat specially designed to give day trips for people with disabilities, to operate from the canal.

Trust Chairman Margaret Rowley said: "We are delighted to have Ms Lynne as one of our vice-presidents. She was particularly interested in seeing our work to make the canal more accessible for disabled people, and the special adaptations to the Pamela May. Last year she was responsible for producing a report to the European Parliament which has led to a commitment to a European directive for equal rights for disabled people."