Work to transform part of the Broads at Cantley into a picturesque haven for boat users, walkers and families has started.As part of the �320,000 Cantley Staithe Project a new public slipway is being created on the River Yare to provide a free amenity for river users.

Work to transform part of the Broads at Cantley into a picturesque haven for boat users, walkers and families has started.

As part of the �320,000 Cantley Staithe Project a new public slipway is being created on the River Yare to provide a free amenity for river users.

The project, launched four years ago, will see the village's old staithe area near the British Sugar factory, landscaped to create a community area with picnic tables by next summer.

Pontoons and moorings on a new quay will also replace dilapidated jetties and see the number of moorings increase by the Reedcutters pub.

The work to build the slipway is being carried out by Broadland Environmental Services Ltd as part of the creation of new flood defences in front of the sugar factory.

Once finished it will be the second slip way along the River Yare.

The community led staithe project will mean that the annual Cantley Regatta could be expanded to include dinghies and see groups such as scouts use the facilities to explore riverways and go fishing.

Robert Beadle, the chairman of Cantley Parish Council, welcomed the start of the staithe work by saying: “This is a wonderful opportunity to attract more people to the river and our riverside pub.”

The project has been funded and supported by the parish council, the Broads Authority, the Environment Agency, Broadland District Council, British Sugar, Biffaward, WREN and the Inland Waterways Association.