IT'S hard to imagine Worsley Canal any other shade than its usual mucky brown.

Fred Dibnah may well be absolutely right in his assessment that making it a more canal-like hue would benefit wildlife -- a view backed by Salford Council's intention to take action on the famous stretch of water in this picturesque area.

The brown comes from a nearby mine's iron ore, and the Coal Authority is now to take steps to stop it going into the canal.

I just hope that changing the canal's water does not, quite literally, rob it of its local colour.