The next phase of improvement works to a kilometre of the Bradley Arm of the Main Line Canal towpath will start this week.

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It forms part of the Bilston Urban Village regeneration scheme and will see the section between Highfields Road and Dudley Street improved with a wider and properly surfaced path.

It will provide existing residents and those from the new housing developments an easily accessible, attractive traffic free route to work, leisure, school or local shops.

The works are being carried out in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, and follow completion of the first phase between Deepfields Junction and Highfields Road, thanks to funding from the Local Growth Fund.

Keren Jones, City of Wolverhampton Council Director for City Economy, said: "This investment is an important part of the work the council and its partners are undertaking to regenerate and stimulate prosperity and growth in Bilston, and to bring about significant environmental improvements for existing and future residents."

Peter Mathews CMG, chair of the Canal & River Trust's West Midlands Waterway Partnership, said: "Canal & River Trust are working with a range of partners, including City of Wolverhampton Council, to help regenerate areas and these improvements are an excellent example of the role that canals can play in helping to link communities; providing local people with a fantastic clean, green traffic free route. Once finished the local community will be able to get closer to nature, take in their local history and stay healthy as part of their daily lives."

The path will link with existing cycling and walking routes, extending opportunities for local people to enjoy an active lifestyle and leave the car at home.

  • released: Thursday 18 May, 2017