A PROJECT to restore the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in Cwmbran has passed the first stage of funding and was awarded £32,000.

The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded the development grant to Torfaen Council for it to develop proposals for a community volunteer programme which would support the restoration of the canal.

Since the canal's closure, navigation sections through Cwmbran have fallen into disrepair.

The council will use the money to prepare plans for the conservation and repair of heritage structures and for a training programme to develop volunteer skills in the repair and maintenance of the canal.

Volunteers will have the conservation skills needed to restore the canal with important locks and bridges.

The council has passed the first round of funding which means the Fund believes the project has the criteria to deliver high quality benefits.

The council can now progress to the second stage of the Heritage Lottery Fund application process.

It has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals so it can compete for the full award of £478,000 which it is seeking for the project.

Leader of Torfaen Council, councillor Bob Wellington said that by developing the skills of the volunteers, the project will support the future regeneration of the canal and provide training to help people into employment.

There are also plans for a website, DVD, newsletter and information boards, to give schools, the local community and visitors a chance to get involved.