DROITWICH canals project could be underway if Wychavon agrees for the scheme to proceed.

At the council's executive board meeting last night members were due to discuss the issue.

Following confirmation of funding from Advantage West Midlands and the Heritage Lottery Fund the authority is required to enter into legally binding contracts which place Wychavon at substancial risk if there is a fundamental breach. This was also the last opportunity the council had to withdraw from the project.

In order for British Waterways to tap into any of the money allocated by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands, Wychavon needs to authorise a number of contracts to be signed.

As a consequence of entering into these contacts the council and British Waterways will become liable for the repayment of these grant awards if there is a breach of the contracts.

The recommendations are that the council agrees that the project is to proceed and the managing director and head of corporate projects be given delegated authority to sign the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands contracts and any agreements needed with British Waterways.

The council also needed to acknowledge the risks it was accepting in respect of the scheme.