Our West Midlands Annual Public Meeting heard how recent improvements to the city's historic canals are bringing real benefits for local communities.
Speaking at the meeting Cllr Abi Brown, deputy leader of Stoke on Trent City Council, celebrated the city's rich canal heritage and emphasised the important role that its waterways continue to play today more than 200 years after they were built.
The meeting heard how we are working with the City Council on a major £1.5 million project to enhance 15 miles of the city's canals. Plans include towpath resurfacing, improving access points and signage and installing almost five miles of solar lighting.
The project also includes community initiatives as well as improvements to some of the historic buildings and green spaces alongside the city's canals.
Cllr Abi Brown, deputy leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We're fortunate to have a fantastic canal network in Stoke-on-Trent. They have provided the backdrop to our city for hundreds of years and moving forward, we have ambitions to reinvigorate their role in the modern day.
“In partnership with the Canal & River Trust, we are working on a £1.5 million project which will see 15 miles of the city's canals made more friendly and attractive to users. The work has already seen lighting, signage and access points improved with more projects to come.
“As a council, we recognise the potential that canals have to boost the economy, improve health and wellbeing and offer sustainable transport links. We are committed to unlocking their real value and we see canals as playing a big part in our drive to create a city we can all be proud of."
