THE waters of the Risca canal are running into the election campaign in Islwyn. Ahead of the public meeting tonight, arranged to form a canal liaison group and organised by Islwyn AM Brian Hancock, candidates in the election have been turning their attention to the stretch of water.

At an earlier public meeting, attended by hundreds, the council was told that people wanted the canal fully restored - even though this was much more expensive than filling in all, or part of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.

Conservative candidate Phillip Howells went on the offensive, attacking Caerphilly county borough council for considering filling in the canal.

He said: "In discussions with locals it is clear that the canal already provides an important daily role for leisure and social activities and the mass turnout at the public meeting should have been no surprise to an in-touch council.

"It demonstrates the widely held view that the Plaid Cymru-held council is failing to deliver on its election promises."

But Leigh Thomas, Plaid's candidate, hit back, saying it was Mr Howells who is out of touch.

"He's a bit behind the times," said Mr Thom-as. "Perhaps it's be-cause he doesn't live in the area. "I fully support the refurbishment and have done since the beginning."

Mr Howells said he would like to see the canal extended beyond the current limit at the Darran section down into Risca, which would open up a two-mile navigable stretch. This would directly connect Risca town centre to the Cwmcarn Forest Drive tourist attraction. Labour's Don Touhig said the idea of filling in the canal was "crackers".

"Everywhere I've gone, people believe it should be saved. It needs work where the banks are damaged. I think we should be encouraging the Assembly and other local authorities to help contribute to the restoration."

* Tonight's meeting starts at 7.30pm at Risca Rugby Club.