A historic piece of Halesowen waterway could be set for a £40million restoration.

Enthusiasts from the Lapal Canal Trust have unveiled ambitious plans to regenerate the Lapal Tunnel and associated Dudley No.2 Canal.

The route, which runs from the outskirts of Halesowen to the edge of Selly Oak, served generations of canal users before it was closed in 1953.

A report commissioned by the Trust has recommended a new route should be used to take the canal over the top' of the tunnel and across surrounding countryside.

Trust chairman Peter Best said: "With these plans we are not only serving the boating community, but sharing our enjoyment of the canal with the public. We are also able to schedule a series of length-by-length restorations to be undertaken as and when funds allow."

Previous attempts by the Trust to regenerate the canal have failed because the narrow dimensions of the tunnel are not suited to modern narrow boats.

They claim the new plans will benefit all canal users including walkers, joggers, cyclists and fishermen, and will now look to gain approval from their membership and gauge public reaction before taking things further.

The campaign has received backing from Quinton MP Gisela Stuart, who believes it would lead to more jobs being created.

She said: "These plans open up a resource which has lain dormant for too long. I'm looking forward to finding out more and how we can put them into action."