Enhancing the Leeds-Liverpool Canal would attract visitors and boost the district's tourist industry, a leading councillor claimed today.

Councillor Simon Cooke, executive for regeneration and the chairman of the private sector led Airedale Partnership, said the stretch running through the Bradford district was an underused "little gem".

Coun Cooke said regenerating derelict mill buildings along the canal's banks into apartments and offices would revitalise certain areas. But he stressed the environment must also be protected.

He said transforming the waterside environment was a key feature of the Airedale Masterplan, commissioned by the Airedale Partnership, which sets out a blueprint for regeneration over the next 15 years.

And he said a series of public consultations, organised by Bradford Council to get views on improving and preserving the waterway, would play a major part in the regeneration effort.

The 127-mile canal was completed in 1816 was instrumental in Bradford becoming a world leader in the manufacture and trade of worsted cloth by the mid 19th Century.

Towns such as Bingley, Keighley and Shipley expanded as larger mills were built alongside the canal.

The last regular commercial delivery was made in 1973 and many mill buildings have become derelict.

Coun Cooke said: "The canal really is a little gem. Everyone knows of it but perhaps we need to make the best use of it so people use it more for leisure and as cycleways and footpaths.

"Bradford Council, the Airedale Partnership and British Waterways will take on the comments of local people. The canal is in their backyard and it's important we do the right thing by them."

Bradford Council's consultations are being held on board a narrowboat as it travels from Apperley Bridge to Silsden between Monday, April 25, and Friday, April 29.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment, said: "The canal is a major catalyst for recreation and economic regeneration in the Airedale corridor.

"We want to encourage residents, businesses and canal users to give their views on the future of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal conservation area and how it can be improved and preserved for the benefit of everyone."

Each consultation day will have its own theme: an introduction at Apperley Bridge marina on April 25; regeneration at Shipley Wharf on April 26; leisure, sport and recreation at Five Rise Locks in Bingley on April 27; and conservation at Stockbridge Wharf in Riddlesden on April 28 and at Silsden boatyard on April 29.

The Council's conservation area assessment can be viewed at www.bradford.gov.uk/council/planning/heritage.