THE regeneration of the Leigh canal system can spark the renaissance of the town, according to its MP.

Shadow Health Secretary and Leigh MP Andy Burnham visited the historic canal site to officially launch a campaign aimed at using the system as a catalyst for regeneration in the town.

It is hoped that the campaign — which is supported by Wigan Council, the Canal and River Trust and the Bridgewater Canal Company — will create new work opportunities, benefit businesses and develop the area into a thriving and healthy community.

A canal festival aimed at engaging the public with the plans will take place on September 10 to 13.

The Leeds and Liverpool and Bridgewater canals meet in the centre of Leigh and Mr Burnham, who chairs the canal working group said the area had great potential.

He said: “This canal was the lifeblood of Leigh and I think people want to see it being the renaissance of the town — Leigh is on the up and the canal has got so much potential and we need to make the most of it.

“I brought these different organisations together and asked if there was more that we can do to make this a driver for the regeneration of Leigh — so today is a wonderful occasion for me.”

The canals and their historic waterside buildings are seen as crucial to the area’s regeneration with a number of major developments already in the pipeline which will increase the town’s appeal to investors.

The launch of the campaign took part during a day of action when volunteers helped to spruce up the canal with a litter pick, graffiti removal and bulb planting.

The environmental improvements are aimed at increasing the profile of the canal as a leisure facility to promote healthy lifestyles, volunteering and community involvement.

Wigan councillor David Molyneux said: “Leigh and its waterfront have a bright future. There are ambitious plans to develop new homes and businesses around the canal bringing more jobs to the area and a new marina will open later in 2015 increasing tourism in Leigh.”

As part of the project the Canal and River Trust will provide new signage to encourage visitors onto the towpath and to tell the story of the two canals.

There will be an improved entrance to the towpath from King Street Bridge, with work being carried out by volunteers this year.

New mooring rings will also encourage boaters to stop and visit the town.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the project can email volunteering@canalrivertrust.org.uk