A CAMPAIGN to give the historic area of Diglis more recognition has been gathering momentum.

Will Richards has launched a bid to get a plaque or heritage board up at the Diglis Basin site, which has had a major transformation over the years.

Mr Richards took several pictures of the area in the 1990s, which show the wooden projection on the Erstwhile Warehouse, part of the original warehouse with the manually operated crane that serviced it, and another section that once formed part of Townsend’s Flour Mill.

Diglis Basin is famously where the Worcester and Birmingham Canal meets the River Severn. The area was once an inland port with huge barges bringing commercial goods up from Bristol to unload at Diglis Docks, using the River Severn.

Mr Richards, who grew up in the city, said: “I am inclined to the idea of a plaque perhaps mounted on a hardwood post, if it cannot be installed on the wall of the offices - the former warehouses, where the winch once proudly stood next to.

“Diglis represented Worcester’s most important commercial hub before the railways and therefore precious reminders of its historical significance should not simply be allowed to disappear, with no acknowledgement or reminder to current and future generations. The speed boats went at, they were the ‘motorways’ of the time.

“I am unaware of any information about Diglis Basin’s past actually on the site.”

Mr Richards said he has had initial talks with the Canal and Rivers Trust, the organisation tasked with protecting waterways, and there was good news as they had showed some support, including possible funding.

Worcester Civic Society oversees the blue plaque scheme in Worcester, with the support of English Heritage. Its chairman, Phil Douce, welcomed the idea.

“I don’t live far from this area, and as far as I know there is nothing in that area,” he said.

“I’d be happy to meet with Mr Richards and hear his ideas as we always welcome ideas for plaques.

“We are also looking at a heritage trail for cyclists and walkers, with heritage boards around the city, so this could be part of that.”

For more on Worcester Civic Society, including how residents can suggest ideas for plaques and heritage boards, visit worcestercivicsociety.org.uk or email info@worcestercivicsociety.org.uk