MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has welcomed plans to re-open Droitwich's canals.

Although the project was not confirmed, he was confident British Waterways would win its case and open both canals by the end of 2002.

"The county and district councils are already doing their bit by putting up £1m each, with British Waterways leading the drive to raise the remaining sum, largely from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands," said the MP after a meeting with Advantage chief executive John Edwards.

"It's clear the development agency recognises the contribution the canal project could make to Droitwich and Worcester."

He added that although Mr Edwards had not committed making the money available, he was more convinced than ever that the canals would be re-opened.

"I remain a critic of the Government's regional agenda which sees more economic development issues being settled by Birmingham rather than our own local authorities, but if the agency is there we have to use it," he said.

"Coupling their enthusiasm with the apparent keen interest of the Heritage Lottery Fund, it's beginning to look like 2002 could be the year the re-opening of the two canals becomes inevitable.

"With the exciting Lido project, the new Waitrose supermarket and English Heritage's recognition of the national importance of Droitwich, there's a really happy year in store for the town."