AMBITIOUS plans to create a 56-mile stretch of canal from Preston through Lancaster to the Lakes could become a reality by tunnelling under the M6 motorway!

That's the findings of a feasibility study by British Waterways, who claim a rejuvenated canal could could attract an extra one million tourists to the North Lancashire area, spending up to £14 million.

The biggest obstacle to linking Lancaster Canal with the northern reaches has been the M6 motorway, which severs the canal in three places.

But the report suggests the impossible dream could become a reality by burrowing under the six-lane motorway.

The feasibility study also suggests that a possible 2,000 jobs could be created through projects such as two new visitor centres, three new marinas, a hotel and 200,000 passenger boat trips each year. It could also mean the enhancement and conservation of 14 miles of country landscape area, a biological heritage site and the restoration of 52 structures of heritage importance.

The report was presented to the Northern Reaches Restoration Group by David Fletcher, chief executive of British Waterways, who said: "Today our historic canals are being re-opened at the same rate as the were built at the height of canal mania in the 1790s. The Lancaster Canal is one of England's most beautiful and historic waterways and this report seeks to unlock the enormous potential and benefits that restoration could bring to this region.

British Waterways, the Inland Waterways Association, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, Lancashire County Council and The Lancaster Canal Trust are all associated with the impending report.

Mr Hal Baggot, of the Lancaster Canal Trust, said: "It is wonderful to know that the canal once described as the architectural king of our waterways could soon reclaim its rightful place as a key, historic attraction in this beautiful region of northern England."

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