EASTLEIGH MP Chris Huhne has joined a bid to renovate a 300-year-old waterway which used to transport freight to and from Winchester before the railways.

Now the Itchen Navigation, which has fallen into a state of disrepair, is set to benefit from a £2 million boost from the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail, to renovate it for wildlife and people to enjoy.

Last week Mr Huhne was given a tour of the Navigation by project managers, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is being managed by the trust on behalf of a wide partnership including Eastleigh Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

Remains of old locks are to be found between Eastleigh and Bishopstoke. The plan is to ensure that the banks are restored so that they do not collapse, whilst at the same time enhancing wildlife habitats and improving access.

Trust conservation head, Debbie Wicks, was among senior executives who showed Mr Huhne their plans. She pointed out where tree roots were destroying the Navigation's walls.

The Liberal Democrat environment spokesman said the project was exciting because it opened up the possibility of a marvellous recreational and leisure resource for people in the area.

"The lower Itchen is a jewel among rivers, with lovely clear water that still attracts Atlantic salmon to spawn every year," he said.

"We need to value and protect it and its heritage far more."

Rob Stoneman, chief executive of the Hampshire and IoW Wildlife Trust, said: "In an era of climate change and housing growth, national government has to take a lead in ensuring places like these maintain the quality of life that make them special, and improve conditions for wildlife for us all to enjoy.

"This requires leadership and vision, and we look to our MPs for this."