British Waterways is hoping that Lottery funding will enable it to set up a visitor attraction at Caen Hill flight of locks in Devizes.

Plans have been drawn up for the recreation area, referred to as an enhanced visitor destination, on land near the existing café at the top of the flight of locks.

James Young, a regeneration manager for British Waterways, said: “The lock flight is one of the seven wonders of the waterway but it does not attract as many visitors as it should do.

“We are hoping that this area will bring more people in.”

There will be a moored boat acting as a visitor centre and a picnic area with children’s play equipment close by. A trim trail, a fitness course for all ages, is envisaged and wildlife walks will be created in nearby woodland.

Mr Young said: “This is all subject to third party funding and we are bidding for money from the Lottery through the Jubilee People’s Millions fund.”

The bid is for £120,000.

“If we are successful we hope we can start work this summer. We have been working closely with Devizes Development Partnership, the Trust for Devizes, the Devizes Community Area Partnership (DCAP), the Devizes Area Board and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“We hope this will be a true community project, which will involve the youth of Devizes.”

British Waterways has been investing heavily in the flight of 29 locks that brings canal traffic up to the town from the lower lying surrounding land.

It is currently involved in a £1million project to replace lock gates and rebuild the walls of some locks and lock pounds, or reservoirs.

Roger Chadwick, chairman of DCAP, said: “Although it is early days, it is the kind of investment we welcome in the town.

“Anything that improves the attractiveness of Devizes to visitors is something we applaud.”