AN exciting £4.8 million revamp of Stourport's canal and basins is finally on the cards - nearly a decade after plans were first dreamed up.

The package of improvements - which includes opening up Lichfield Street basin, creating an information centre and refurbishing landmark canal buildings - would help transform the town into one of the UK's premier waterside attractions.

The long-term aim is to lure developers and businesses to help create a vibrant canalside community with homes, small firms and eateries, while retaining the area's historic character.

An application has gone to the Lottery's Heritage Fund for half of the money, with the rest coming from British Waterways, local councils, Advantage West Midlands and other partners.

Stourport Civic Society chairman Pauline Annis said she was delighted at the news.

"The town suffers from what I call its "candyfloss and chips" image - yet it has a wonderful 18th century gem on its hands in the shape of the canal and basins which are not being exploited.

"The refurbishment of the basin should be a major catalyst for change which will enhance the whole of the area.

"This is a critical moment in Stourport's history," she added.

Similar proposals were drawn up in the 1990s but faltered because some of the key sites involved - including the landmark Tontine Hotel and land at Lichfield Street - were not in the possession of British Waterways.

That problem has now been overcome, paving the way for the project.

British Waterways spokesman Clare Bampton said: "This is not something we can do on our own - we would need the support of developers to bring some of these wonderful buildings back into suitable use."

The proposals for Lichfield Street canal basin include making at least part of it navigable again, also funded in part by housing and leisure developments.

If the outline bid for lottery money is successful, a final detailed bid would have to be put together next year, and would include public consultation.

Wyre Forest District Council economic development and tourism officer Steve Singleton said the end was finally in sight for a scheme which had been longed for in the town. "This really is great news."

He added the council was also working hard to secure substantial Government cash through the Market Towns Initiative.

"The development of Stourport as a market town, together with the canal improvements, would a real uplift for the area."