THE NEW authority for Britain’s canals and rivers has launched three projects in Kirklees.

And the Canal and River Trust, which replaced British Waterways last week, has appealed for volunteers and cash to run projects in Marsden, Slaithwaite and Dewsbury.

In Marsden, the trust has appealed for £1,500 to protect wildlife on Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Standedge Tunnel. The section of canal, which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has fallen into disrepair.

Further down the canal, at Slaithwaite, the trust hopes to make information boards to explain the importance of the area’s canals and reservoirs with children at local schools. The trust is looking for £3,000 to support the project.

And on the Calder and Hebble Navigation, at Dewsbury, the trust hopes to create a sanctuary for bats and other wildlife – but it needs £5,000 to do so.

For more information on the Canal and River Trust and its projects visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk