Sarkozy canal plan to boost economy

By Menaha Thiru

Canals are high on the agenda in French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s economic stimulus plan.

He plans to build a canal system to join the Oise river to the high-capacity canal system in the north of France.

The European Union is giving £374m to the project, as part of a wider policy to make transport sustainable and environmentally-friendly throughout Europe.

The enhanced waterway system aims to increase waterborne freight in France by 25 per cent to 11.5 bn tonnes by 2012.

The plans for the French canals are the first stage in constructing the Canal Seine Nord Europe.

This waterway will extend from France into Belgium, Germany and Holland to encourage strategic trade between European cities and ports.

It is the first joint European waterway venture of its kind.

Whitbread proposal prompts interest from developers

By Menaha Thiru

A planning decision that allows Whitbread to build a Premier Inn on Walsall Waterfront has prompted other businesses to consider buying property there.

Councillor Mike Bird, chairman of the development control committee, said: “It is very positive news that the hotel is coming to Walsall, especially at a time when the construction industry is on its knees.

"This is an anchor to allow the rest of the development to go ahead and provides concrete evidence that businesses are interested in coming to Walsall Waterfront.”

There had been fears that plans to develop Walsall Waterfront would be abandoned due to the credit crunch.

The Waterfront project includes Urban Splash’s £180m development comprising housing, shops and offices.

Whitbread plans to start construction of the Premier Inn this year. The 120-bed hotel will sit between Wolverhampton Street and the town arm of the Walsall Canal.