The Canal will continue to make a vital contribution to the social regeneration of the region. Experience has shown that restoration will:

• Provide a focus for pride in the community and community ‘ownership’ of the local environment.
• Provide recreational green space amenities with ‘quality of life’ improvements for communities. The canal will effectively become a 46 mile long linear water park, offering health & well being opportunities.
• Provide a safe, traffic free route-way which will enable communities divided by road expansion to be reconnected. It will develop new walking and cycling routes between communities, schools and workplaces.
• Develop the potential of the canal as a venue for the arts and learning.
• Encourage further inward investment through improving the local environment and reducing anti-social behaviour.