THE nail-biting wait for key investment into the restoration of Droitwich Spa canals is drawing to a close.

Advantage West Midlands is expected to reveal whether it can pump £2.5million into the £9m project in the very near future.

The cash is vital to unlocking the town's historic waterways.

A spokesman for the Birmingham-based development agency said the application was at its final stages and looking 'positive'.

News of crucial funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is also expected by the spring.

It's hoped the multi-million pound scheme will bring new jobs and attract thousands of visitors.

British Waterways and its partners, including Droitwich Canals Trust, want to create a unique 21-mile cruising ring.

Wychavon District and Worcestershire County Councils have pledged £1m each.

A Wychavon spokesman said he believed the application had been successful but the authority had not received official confirmation.