THE future development of Droitwich Spa canals was placed in the hands of a small minority at a town meeting.

More than £9m is expected to be invested in the landlocked canals and British Waterways organised a consultation evening at Droitwich Spa Community Hall to find out what residents want from the major project.

Devon-based company Image Makers held a special workshop to discuss the canals' future but only about a dozen townsfolk turned up whose ideas will now feature in a report to help shape how the budget is spent.

On Tuesday, December 17, people discussed the canals' good and bad points, heritage features and facilities they want developed around it.

Issues raised included safety, parking, wildlife, fishing, paving, access for the disabled, signage, the canal basin, lighting, access for cyclists and horse riders, plus retail and housing developments.

Image Makers speaker Annie Walsh told the small crowd, which included representatives for businesses, the disabled, conservation, angling and boating: "You and your comments count tonight. In the run up to Christmas people are busy and turnout is lower than expected.

"However, that shows the town is keen for this to go ahead.

"If we were proposing to close a canal we would have seen a bigger turnout."

Suggestions ranged from building a heritage museum, improving the canal basin, building long and short stay moorings, restaurants, nature reserves and a programme of education.

British Waterways project manager James Thompson told the Advertiser: "Everyone who attended was knowledgeable and positive and their views reinforce many of our ideas.

"This canal is for Droitwich Spa people and we are really keen they get involved."

He said more consultation exercises will be held as more detailed plans emerge.

British Waterways, Droitwich Canals Trust, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and the Waterways Trust are all backing the scheme.

Confirmation of essential grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands are expected later in the spring.

Droitwich Barge Canal and Junction Canal are key features in the Spa's salty history but were abandoned in 1939.

Works to reopen the landlocked waterways and create a 22 mile cruising ring could begin in 2007.