§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sources of public finance are available to assist in the scheme to re-open the Droitwich Junction and Droitwich Barge canals. [99463]
§ Mr. MullinThere are a number of sources of public finance available to assist canal restoration projects. These include the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Environmental Action Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget, and the New Opportunities Fund as well as local authorities, regional development agencies and landfill tax rebate. To qualify for a grant from any of these sources the Droitwich canal project would of course have to meet with the requirements and aims of the grant provider.
Detailed information on the sources of funding for canal restoration projects is contained in the DETR-sponsored Technical Restoration Handbook, published by the Inland Waterways Association (IWA). Copies of the Handbook can be obtained from the IWA (Tel: 01923 711114).