A BARNOLDSWICK marina which is expanding from 15 to 50 berths has been heralded a major tourism boost to the area.

Work started on expanding Lower Park Marina, in Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick, last November after planning permission was granted in 2002.

The new site is due to open in June and is expected to hold up to 50 narrowboats, with widebeam berths also available.

On site there will be access to water and electricity points and parking spaces.

Pendle Council has welcomed the expansion saying that it will help increase tourism to the borough.

The canal was closed off near West Craven High Technology College and Salterforth while work was carried out but was reopened last week by British Waterways.

Neil Watson, planning manager for Pendle, said: “The marina will be fantastic for the economy, bringing in tourists to the borough.

“The council is keen to support ventures like this which provide good facilities, are good for the area and environmentally friendly.”

Wayne King, manager of Lower Park Marina, said: “We got planning permission for the expansion back in 2002 but we suffered a series of set-backs and had to raise enough money for the build.

“The canal was closed for 10 weeks altogether while work went on.

"Now it’s open again and we can start the landscaping.

“We have had to excavate the land and line the bottom with clay.

“We also intend to put in hawthorn hedges interspersed with trees, which we are hoping will look really nice when it is finished.

“The marina will be a place for people to moor while passing through but not to live on their boats.

“It is in the perfect spot, close for people to walk into the town centre and to enjoy the lovely countryside.

“Hopefully it will be really good for the area as well, and mean lots more people visiting the local shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.”

A spokesperson for British Waterways said: “We are keen for marinas like this to be built.

“They are good for local economies and provide good quality places for people to moor their boats.”

To book a berth, call 01282 815883.