Hereford could again be linked to the River Severn when a major restoration project, started in 1983, is finally completed.

A small but significant element of the work, which aims to restore the 34 miles of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal to full navigable status, has been completed at Yarkhill.

With the help of a grant from the Market Towns Initiative Programme, Ledbury Area Regeneration Partnership and Advantage West Midlands, work at Barr's Lock has reconstructed a culvert under the canal, repairing a leak and making it possible for the restored canal to be in water over a 1km stretch.

The project aims not only to provide navigation for boating the length of the canal but also hopes to provide benefits to walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Further information is available at www.h-g-canal.org.uk.