WORCESTERSHIRE residents can share their ideas on how to improve the county's historic canals.

The Canal and River Trust — the charity that cares for the waterway — is holding a spring forum on Wednesday, June 10 which is a chance to have your say on what you think could be done to make the most of the county's canals.

The event will also be a chance to find out more about the Trust’s future plans for all waterways in the South Wales and Severn region, including canals in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, South Wales and the river itself.

Nick Worthington, waterway manager for the Canal and River Trust, said: “The waterways in South Wales and Severn are much loved and really well supported. We want people around the waterways to have real input into how they are run and improved in the future, and the forums have been designed to get people’s ideas. If you have any questions about your nearby canal, river or towpath that we care for, or would like to help us, it would be great to see you at one of the waterway forums."

The forum will take place at 6.30pm at Sixways, Warriors Way, in Worcester.

David Hagg, chair of the South Wales and Severn waterway partnership, said: “These kinds of events are a fantastic way for everyone involved in the canal to find out what’s going on around the waterway and give their views on how we keep it special. I’d urge anyone who’s interested in the canal’s future to come along- from boaters to canoeists, anglers, cyclists and walkers.”

The first ever Worcester Canal Festival is set to make a splash for three days from Friday, June 12.

Music, food and various games and entertainment will be held primarily in Lansdowne Park, Lansdowne Road, in Worcester, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the waterway.

The festival is being organised by a collaboration of different groups in the area including the Worcester Canal Group and the Arboretum Residents Association and is expected to one of the city’s most colourful events of the year, with about 50 boats expected to take part throughout the weekend

To reserve a place on the forum, or to suggest topics for discussion in advance, email enquiries.southwalessevern@canalrivertrust.org.uk or call 01452 318008.