Funding boost for tourism project

Plans for a multi-million pound tourist attraction in Whitchurch today took a step forward after receiving a major cash boost.

The town council has earmarked £5,000 for a waterpark on the town's canal.

The money matches a sum pledged by the Whitchurch Waterway Trust, which is behind the plan.

Organisers say the cash will be used to commission studies on the project.

Town councillor Andrew Richardson, the trust chairman, said work would invol- ve creating a series of lakes and linking them to the canal, allowing boats to moor closer to the town.

He said the scheme would cost about £2 million and would involve new signs and walking and cycle routes, as well as a visitor centre.

Councillor Richardson said: "It will be a great facility for Whitchurch and great for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife; it will be a green corridor into the countryside and the canal from the town.

"We are really moving forward with the project now, it's been on the cards for many years but now we have asked Shropshire Council for advice on what permission we need, and things are really coming together.

"The first stage will be to create a series of lakes and link them in, and eventually we will want to do signs and an interpretation centre."

Mr Richardson said the money would be used to produce a definitive set of studies for the project.