BASINGSTOKE Canal Society is launching a major campaign to help protect the canal.

Named ‘Keep Your Canal Alive’, the campaign is aimed at keeping the canal beautiful and ensuring the 32-mile stretch of waterway can continue to be enjoyed by all.

According to the society, the campaign has been launched following budget cuts made by Hampshire and Surrey councils for the canal.

A spokesperson said: “The cuts pose a real challenge ahead for the management and upkeep of this waterway that keeps it navigable.

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“The support is already extremely stretched and further impacts could ultimately result in potential derelict areas, a decline in towpath maintenance making it impassable and unusable, a decline in the environment for the nature that inhabits there and not forgetting limitations for boaters, paddle boarders and users of this wonderful local amenity.”

The canal is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and is jointly owned by Surrey and Hampshire county councils and the local riparian councils.

As part of the campaign, people will have an opportunity to become a member of the Basingstoke Canal Society for only £15 per year.

You can make a one-off donation online. For more information visit, basingstoke-canal.org.uk/keep-your-canal-alive.