The government have announced that British Waterways will be replaced with a new civil society type organisation, in effect a ‘national trust’ for the waterways…
Canals have featured in my life for many years, not least for my early angling trips. Much of my fishing as a child involved the Leeds & Liverpool canal at Skipton, the venue for my first pike. It was also the route used for numerous miles of towpath cycle rides, not to mention the hours spent paddling the cut in my canoe.
In the 1960’s and 70’s the canals weren’t as clean as they usually are today and in addition, they weren’t any where near as popular for leisure use either. Much of the clean up and popularity of the canals can be attributed to organisations such as the Inland Waterways Association. Because of my love of the canals and the fact I (like many) believe in the value of preserving them for both nature and leisure use, I was interested to see today’s news. I look forward to seeing the proposals and Richard Benyon’s observations come to fruition.
Richard Benyon MP, explains: “Our waterways are a cherished feature of the British landscape and a source of joy to many. Transferring British Waterways from Government to a charitable body will give users of the waterways; boating, walkers, anglers, kayakers etc. a greater say in their future management and help to ensure they remain a wonderful part of our natural and cultural heritage… (Read more)
Related Articles
- Making the cut on Britain’s canals (guardian.co.uk)
- Quango review sees five major bodies becoming charities (guardian.co.uk)
- Inland waterways under threat from spending cuts (guardian.co.uk)
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