Plans have been lodged to install an extension from the existing Forth & Clyde canal down to a new Sea Lock on the River Carron.

The Helix project - who have ambitious plans to create a thriving environmental community on unused land between Grangemouth and Falkirk - today confirmed that it will create an even better setting for the much-anticipated Kelpie heads sculpture.

The upgrade and expansion of the local canal network is an integral part of the project which will create a new community greenspace on the 300 hectares of under-used land.

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The canal extension will also see the creation of a new culvert which will take the canal and its towpath under the M9 and into a specially constructed turning pool near canal Lock 2 where the Kelpies will be positioned.

This new Kelpie lock will link directly into the existing Carron mooring basin. One of the Kelpies will move to displace the water required to operate the canal lock.

Both Kelpies will face in a south-easterly direction, showing them off to their best advantage and also making them easier to access on foot.

Helix Trust chief executive, Colin Armstrong, said: "These are exciting times for everyone involved in The Helix. The vital months spent refining our canal options have delivered an even better outcome than originally envisaged.

"We will now be moving full steam ahead to obtain the necessary planning permissions. We look forward to engaging with the local community over the coming months as we build towards initial works in the first half of 2010."

(GK/KMcA)