A RETIRED head teacher is among a band of seven who plan to regenerate and improve a popular Ulverston landmark.

Colin Smith, of Canal Foot, is the founder of a group which wants to enhance the town’s canal for future generations.

The Friends of the Ulverston Canal group was formed after home owners around the area were dissatisfied with the state of the waterway.

The group has held its inaugural meeting and along with support from Ulverston Town Council and the Ulverston Canal Company (UCC), a five- year strategic plan has been put in place.

Mr Smith, who was head teacher at Greengate Junior School, Barrow, is among a committee of seven, with the group now growing to more than 60 members.

He said: “My wife and I walk along the canal regularly and people often remarked to us about the state of the canal.

“In particular people were complaining about dog fouling and the general poor state of the area.

“After a meeting with Ulverston Town Council, the UCC and NPL Estates who own the canal, it was decided that something had to be done to improve the area.”

The group’s main objective is to ‘sustain and enhance’ the canal and to also form a strong relationship between the owners of the canal and the community.

“As well as enhancing the canal for future generations, we also want to create a legacy. Many people who walk along the canal have some amazing stories to tell that will be lost in years to come.

“The plan is for people to be able to submit their stories and memories of the canal on our website so the history will never be lost,” added Mr Smith.

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A big tidy up of the canal has already taken place and there are plans in the pipeline for additional litter bins and seating for people to enjoy the surroundings.

To join the group, visit http://www.ulverstoncanalfriend.com/