CANALS are back in favour after decades of neglect and misuse.

Built over 200 years ago, British canals played a vital part in the industrial revolution with 2,000 miles of canal system and navigable rivers carrying most of the nation's freight. Since their heyday, canals largely suffered a century of neglect.

A few such as the Grand Union still carried longboats and the occasional barge, but most became silted up and overgrown.

In cities they were recipients of rubbish and haunts of the furtive, most having water too polluted even to attract fish and fishermen. That situation is changing rapidly. In recent years British Waterways have been pro-active in the restoration and revitalisation of canals mostly as recreational amenities, sometimes in partnership with others.

This process has now leapt forward with the redevelopment of the old warehouses and industrial sites which border most of the many miles of canals and rivers in and around British cities.

Developers have rightly seen waterways as a great bonus. Which of us would not choose to live overlooking one if we could? From being hidden and forgotten, canals are now being made accessible and are in demand, but this time as a focus for enjoyable living rather than for industry.

In life-style conscious Manchester also, Crosby Homes have been active in waterside development. Their Deansgate Quay, an ultramodern, award-winning new landmark building of 102 apartments actually straddles the Bridgewater Canal at the edge of Castlefield. - an area which has been designated Britain's first urban heritage park'. Prices range from £185 to £550,000 for the remaining units.

Another development being sold by Knight Frank, City Central, is very unusual in that all 96 flats are situated on floors 12 - 23 of the building (a Scottish & Newcastle hotel occupies the lower floors).

This gives each unit breathtaking views not only over the River Irwell alongside but to the Pennines and the Welsh hills. Prices range from £95,000 to £165,000.

John Broadbent, Senior Surveyor, Knight Frank said: "Britain's canals and waterways are entering new 'glory days', appreciated and sought after once more. They are a wonderful resource and it is splendid that they are now being given a new lease of life and enriching the environment of so many people."