NEGLECTED Maryhill could soon become home to a world-class watersports venue.

Regeneration chiefs have put forward an ambitious £6million plan to transform a rundown stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal into an adventure canoeing centre.

The plan would involve creating a series of drops around Maryhill Locks - modelled on locations such as Glen Etive, considered the finest canoeing river in Scotland. It would run from the north side of Maryhill Locks to the Kelvin Aqueduct.

Plans are also on course to create a watersports arena further along the canal at Port Dundas.

It could be used to host international water polo events and would also include a cafe, gymnasium and other leisure facilities.

Brian McGraw, who is heading up the project for Glasgow City Council, said: "We had always been clear Maryhill Locks is a fantastic destination in terms of its West End locality.

"The canal has suffered from four decades of neglect. It is about coming up with something that engages the local community and changes their perception of the canal.

"We want to deliver something that offers sporting activities, as well as leisure opportunities for the local community.

"The Urban Etive project and the paddle sports centre could pave the way for a major sport and leisure strategy for the north of Glasgow."

Historic Scotland and the police have given their backing to both plans, as well as a number of the city's colleges.

Strathclyde Fire Service says the centre could also be used for emergency drills.

British Waterways, which maintains the canal, hopes the plan will help attract more young people and canoeing enthusiasts from across the UK into the area.

The proposal is part of the ongoing regeneration of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Richard Millar of British Waterways said: "We have been throwing up different ideas for this location.

"One of the key issues is, how can we attract more people into the area?

"Adventure Canoeing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.

"The idea is to create a series of drops similar to Glen Etive on an area of scrubland. It would bring a real vibrancy into the area."

The plans will now go out to consultation in the next few months.

In August canoeist David Florence became the first Scot to land a medal for Team GB at this year's Olympics in Beijing. The 26-year-old Aberdeen-born athlete picked up silver in the men's singles slalom.

It is thought two million people take to the water in a canoe in Britain each year.

The Glasgow Canal Regeneration Partnership is currently working on a 20-year project to transform the waterway from Port Dundas to Maryhill.

Earlier this year, the Evening Times told of the plan to transform the canal into a viewpoint over the city.And project managers hope to build a £100m residential, cultural and commercial development.

Plans are also on course to create an iconic 98ft sculpture to form part of a £4m footbridge crossing the canal at Maryhill's Stockingfield Junction.

Designed by city sculptor Andy Scott, the steel Bigman would be around the same height as the Statue of Liberty in New York.