A new strategy has been launched to revitalise the historic Black Country canal network.

The Canal & River Trust charity and Active Black Country unveiled the Black Country Canals Strategy 2024-2029 at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley on Wednesday (September 25) evening.

The 64-page strategy, developed with input from local authorities, canal stakeholders, and the community, aims to maximise the potential of the region's canal network.

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The strategy focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of local communities by increasing access to the canals, which are a hub for walking, cycling, leisure, and cultural activities.

Environmental sustainability is also a key priority, with proposals to ensure the canals serve as wildlife corridors and help alleviate flooding.

Henriette Breukelaar, regional director at the trust, said: "80 per cent of people in the Black Country live within a mile of a canal, with these amazing legacies from our industrial past able to serve us in so many ways today.

"With the right investment to upgrade towpaths, improve accessibility and to support wildlife, we can improve the lives of millions of local people, create new business and leisure opportunities and help mitigate against the effects of climate change."

Active Black Country CEO Ian Carey added: "Improving canal infrastructure and accessibility can attract new businesses, enhance the visitor experience and support community regeneration and economic growth.

"We are committed to making these navigable canals accessible to all and maximising opportunities for local people to find it easier to be physically active."

To ensure the strategy remains adaptable and aligned with local and national priorities, its implementation will be overseen by a steering group.

This group will include representatives from the Canal & River Trust, Active Black Country, each local authority, Black Country Transport, Integrated Care Board, West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, and Sustrans.