A £727,000 scheme to improve the towpaths along the Leeds-Liverpool canal has begun in Shipley.

The five-year project will restore crumbling walls and smooth out walking surfaces along the canal footpaths between Shipley and Saltaire.

And there are also plans to install seating, lighting and signs on the canal side.

British Waterways was awarded a grant by the European Regional Development Fund to transform derelict warehouses in Wharf Street, Shipley, into modern buildings for new businesses.

It was given on the condition that the income from new tenants would be spent on the restoration of the canal.

Businesses such as Tesco Direct, Arnold Lavers timber company and Miko, an oil dealing company, have all taken up residence in the refurbished Wharf Street. The Waterways Club health and fitness centre and the Waterway Bistro health food cafe and bistro have also set up.

Most of the water has now been drained from the canal while work takes place to rebuild the walls holding up the towpath, which are under water. The improvements between the Otley Road bridge and Victoria Street bridge are expected to take until March.

David Blackburn, of British Waterways, said: "It is just a sign of 200 years' wear and tear. We are trying to prevent any inconvenience despite the fact that we have had to close off a section of the canal to all boats until March. We hope that the improvements will attract people to the canal in the future."

The company has worked with a local fishing club to make sure that all fish are saved. Water will be put back into the canal when work stops for the summer and will resume again in the winter.

In the meantime, Apollo Canal Cruises, based in Wharf Street, has had to move its boat trips to the marina at Tenterfields at Apperley Bridge.

The company, which runs a water bus during the summer and a boat restaurant all year round, said the work has caused only minor inconvenience.

Owner Frederick Harris said: "British Waterways has been very helpful to ensure we can continue working.

"In some ways it has been quite good because we get a lot of regular customers and it means that they get to cruise along a different part of the canal."

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