A 'WAKE-UP' call to what is happening in Droitwich has been sounded to the rest of Worcestershire by the Spa town's MP.

Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, issued his county-wide alarm while addressing a gathering of Droitwich and district business leaders and decision makers on the impending £10m canals restoration project in the Spa.

"The restoration of Droitwich's canals shows that history can bring life to today," said Mr Luff, who went on to warn neighbouring towns, in particular Worcester, that it was about time they woke up to what was happening in the Spa.

His advice came at a meeting organised by the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership and DARTS, the Droitwich Association of Retail, Tourism and Services at the town's Raven Hotel.

He told the audience: "The Droitwich Canals Project is about something of historic importance actually regenerating a 21st century town and society, and that for me is really exciting.

"It is of course an opportunity for Droitwich and the part it will play in the regeneration of this town, but it is also hugely important for the region.

"It's important for everyone who lives within striking distance and it is important for the county. And a word of slight controversy perhaps, as it's also important for Worcester - and I don't think Worcester has quite woken up to the potential this project opens up to them too."

Mr Luff said other nearby towns would also benefit from a project he said would be 'unique' - as it will provide a 21-mile weekend cruising ring. And he said he was advising the public to get on board as shareholders in local boat companies as he believes it will bring a great increase in trade onto Worcestershire's waterways.

He forecasts that places such as Diglis Basin in Worcester will become living waterways for the first time because of this increase.

The Mid-Worcestershire MP believes the cruising ring will become a popular and sought after venue, and he told his audience he had already booked the first cruise leaving from a local boat company once the project has been completed.

"It's not just Droitwich that will benefit, although it will benefit most." And he told everyone involved locally to set their sights high and use the best possible design and quality.

"This is a big opportunity for Droitwich and the whole area. Future generations are going to say a big thank you for what is going to be done today," added Mr Luff.

DARTS chairman, Richard Brighton, said the meeting of influential figures in the area had been called to get the project moving forward.

"We want to kick-start everything towards the actual beginning of the project, and we're hoping local businesses will want to come on board to help the Project Partnership match the money pledged by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and Advantage West Midlands, to ensure it is released."

It's hoped all the funding will be secured by the end of the year and it's anticipated the restoration itself will take around four years to complete - with the area expected to benefit in the build-up.