A ONCE busy, working stretch of water in Gravesend is to be restored to something like its former glory after decades of campaigning.

Over 1,000 metres of the Thames and Medway Canal will be brought back into use as part of a £2 million scheme announced by Gravesham Borough Council, which also includes the restoration of Gravesend's beach.

The funding means work can finally begin on the first section of the canal, from Mark Lane to Shornemead Crossing, and will include dredging, securing banking and creating a water pumping facility to keep the water level topped up.

The Thames and Medway Canal Association was set up in 1976 to try and save the waterway, and has been campaigning for it to be restored ever since.

Brian Macknish, chairman of the association, said: "After years of lobbying, profile raising and voluntary activity it is great that the value of the canal, as a piece of history, recreational resource and wildlife corridor has been recognised."

Work is due to start later this year, as soon as land permissions and contracts are in place, and, once finished, will provide a much needed area of safe water alongside National Cycle Route 1 which passes through Gravesend and Higham.

The improvements form part of a wider strategic project to create a series of waterfront spaces linking Gravesend town centre to the countryside and also include upgrading the cycle route and enhancing the Gravesend riverside area.

Mr Macknish added: "The restoration of this first section of canal running alongside the RSPB reserve at Shorne Marshes, together with the sea wall, Saxon Shore Way and the crossing footpaths from Chalk, Shorne and Higham, will make this area very attractive for long or short walks and easy cycling with a boating option."

Once restored, the section of water will be suitable for small boats such as canoes and other paddle boats, and even 20 foot long narrow boats.