RESIDENTS living near to the canal in Radcliffe have been left disappointed after funding to remove aquatic weed ran out.

But British Waterways, who undertook the week-long clean-up project on the local stretch of the Manchester Bolton and Bury canal, insists they are doing everything they can.

Philip Bonnell, from British Waterways, said: "The work on the Radcliffe section of the canal was always going to be a week long, as that is all our funding allowed. This is a disused canal and we are doing what we can to keep it clear. We are however, looking to bring back the harvester in October, as it is used across the whole of the North.

"We are throwing resources at this project and actually doing above and beyond our remit. It is not just a case of us leaving the work half finished."

Tonnes of the fast spreading "water soldier" -- Stratiotes aloides -- have already been removed from the canal as it was restricting water flow and hindering wildlife growth.

Residents neighbouring the canal in Radcliffe say that the canal still smells and the fish living in the water declining because of the problem.

The two-tonne machine has been used to clear out a channel through the weed. It is the first time that this equipment has been used on the canal.

British Waterways, which manages 2,000 miles of inland waterways in England, Scotland and Wales, is spending £3,000 on the environmental project. The canal is earmarked for full restoration by the end of the decade.