Canal Closures

[Water Rat]

I have just had a reply from Barry Gardiner. Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs (Part of defra) in response to a letter I sent regarding canal closures and the restriction of access  to waterways.

Within the letter Mr Gardiner outlines a number of national and local initiatives that have taken place including the Mersey Project - A partnership put together by the Regional Access Officer of the British Canoe Union together with local authorities and the Environment Agency - which have together brought a further 70 kms (Seventy) of right of access in England and Wales.  As an additional point right of access exists throughout Scotland without need for individual agreements.

Whilst I welcome this move at no point did the Minister address any of the points in my letter concerning canal closures and the effect locally and regionally for the BWB - likely to be well in excess of 70 kms (Just under 40 miles in old money!'>.

I fear another letter will be sailing its way to Westminster - assuming the waterways are still open.

PS  I notice that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs now have their logo in lower case and no punctuation - In the light of yesterday's league tables for GCSE's would they have met the Gold Standard?

[admin]

You can now sign an electronic petition about saving our waterways on-line at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveOurWaterways/

What could be easier!

[Water Rat]

I read your article concerning the possible downgrade and closure of the local canal system with dismay.  Not only would we lose a valuable local amenity but a link to the history of the region.

The canal raises the profile of the area both from the scenic 'point of view' in attracting visitors who spend within the local community and also in raising the quality of life for local residents.

In the recent issue of Towpath Talk magazine (14 Sept 2006) John Prescott Deputy PM was quoted, on a visit to Ellesmere Port, in recognising the importance of waterways within the region from an educational and economic view point in regeneration.

John Prescott then travelled on to Bradford to meet with the local consortium - councils etc - who are proposing the reopening of the Bradford canal which if it goes ahead will cost approx £45 million which will be offset by inward investment to the area.

There is a future for inland waterways - write to your MP.