Memorandum submitted by Wendy and Ray
Scoggins (BW 52)
It is essential that the level of Grant to British
Waterways be maintained at its current level! In fact, there is
every good reason why the Grant should be increased, if only to
keep pace with the Annual Rate of Inflation!
The Canal System, consisting of over 2,000 miles
of Waterways, is a unique, enormous leisure park. It provides
an amenity for many varieties of craft, both powered and un-powered.
The canals, and their associated towpaths, provide immense pleasure
to many people apart from Boaters. The Waterways are fished by
hundreds of thousands of people throughout the year. Cyclists
and walkers use the towpaths extensively. People observe the wildlife—others
use the towpaths for the purpose of exercise i.e. running.
With the advent of the Olympics in 2012, this
could be a fantastic opportunity to use the local Canals in the
Lee Valley as a tremendous "shop window," to generate
even more interest in the activities that are afforded by this
wonderful linear parkland!
The proposed cuts to the current Grant are deplorable
and narrow-minded. If this happens, British Waterways will almost
certainly be unable to maintain the system! They have, in recent
years, already been forced to shelve essential maintenance programmes
due to lack of funds in many areas
The inevitable cuts in manpower caused by the
above will ensure, without a doubt, the demise of our Waterways!
Locks will cease to function properly—with the inevitable
breakdown of their workings, thus causing an enormous safety hazard
to its users! Towpaths are, in many locations, already in a deplorable
condition. In fact, I suggest the Committee might have a day out,
and visit areas of the Grand Union Canal between Upper Berkhamsted
and Tring in Hertfordshire—but remember to bring your wellies!
The UK has had a Canal System for over 200 years
and it is feasible that it could support commercial traffic again.
This is a magnificent heritage that gives pleasure to millions
of people, the majority of whom only contribute to the running
costs of the Waterways by virtue of the taxes they pay which is
transformed into the Annual Grant given to British Waterways.
This heritage belongs to Great Britain and must not be allowed
to decline and die! Is it this Government's desire to be remembered
as those responsible for the demise of the Canal System—Demonstrating
once more that they have again betrayed their Social obligation
to this Country?
Wendy and Ray Scoggins
(Owners of "Amethyst")
January 2007
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