COOKLEY'S rundown canalside is set for a facelift thanks to a £40,800 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Work begins in the spring on a derelict area at the edge of the village's playing fields.

The scheme includes building a terrace at the side of the canal, to overlook the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal and a historic ironworks that dates back to 1610.

Seating areas, to feature distinctive designs, could be made of brick and iron, to reflect the area's heritage.

There will also be paths suitable for wheelchair access.

Volunteers from the Cookley Local Agenda 21 group hope to develop a sensory garden.

Group treasurer, Kevin Oliver, said: "We've had lots of consultation with local people and they particularly wanted a quiet area where they could sit and watch the boats go by, as well as good access for those in wheelchairs."

He added: "The area has been neglected in the past but there is a huge amount of potential there to open up the vistas of the canal and the historic ironworks.

"We want it to be a space for everyone to enjoy on their doorstep.

"Local groups have already expressed interest, such as morris dancers and amateur dramatic groups who would like to use it for events."

Information boards will also be provided thanks to the cash injection while community activities exploring local history and ecology will be encouraged.

The project, which already has planning permission, was drawn up in consultation with a professional landscape architect and British Waterways.

Anne Jenkins, regional manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "The canalside at Cookley is on the doorstep for many people in the village and will provide an ideal place to enjoy a previously hidden part of their local heritage.

"There will also be lots of opportunities for local people to get actively involved in the project," she added.