Work to start on canal towpath improvements

Kidderminster canal towpath currently

Work is set to get underway on the resurfacing and widening of a section of the canal towpath in Kidderminster.

The work starts week beginning Monday 12 September, on the section of towpath between St Marys Ringway and Caldwall Mill Bridge. This is part of a wider package of improvement work in the county utilising funding received via the Government Levelling Up Fund.

Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “This area is currently in a poor state, so It’s great that we’re in a position to make improvements here.

“We’re keen to develop all areas of our walking and cycling network and we know that canal towpaths are extremely important to helping people get around the county.”

The work on the towpath is made possible thanks to £17.9 million secured by Wyre Forest District Council, via the Levelling Up Fund, which will also see the transformation of Kidderminster’s Town Hall and other key sites in Kidderminster town centre.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Localism said, “The improvement work on the towpath forms part of the wider regeneration of Kidderminster being supported through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund and the Levelling Up Fund. It’s great to see this happening now and the new pathway will make our waterways even more accessible and a pleasure to use.”

Local contractors Kelbec will be undertaking the works on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, and in liaison with the Canal and River Trust.

To allow the works to start and progress, there will be the need for sections of the towpath to be closed, so residents are advised to be aware of this when they visit this area of the canal side.

The works are expected to last until the New Year.