Memorandum submitted by Lincolnshire County
Council (BW 92)
Lincolnshire has many hundreds of miles of rivers,
canals and drains and they are of vital importance for drainage
and leisure, as well as having played a vital role in this county's
heritage over the past 1,000 years.
However, in 2002 it was recognised that our
waterways had been under-invested in and were offering a very
poor quality experience. All the local authorities together with
British Waterways, Environment Agency and the regional development
agency got together to produce the Lincolnshire Waterways Development
Framework, our strategy for the next 10-15 years. I believe that
we are still the only area in the UK to have such a countywide
waterway regeneration strategy. In 2003, Lincolnshire County Council,
British Waterways and the Environment Agency formed the Lincolnshire
Waterways Partnership (LWP) as our commitment to a vehicle for
delivery of the 98 objectives within that strategy. Since then
the LWP has submitted 10 successful funding bids and is currently
delivering some £14 million of projects across Lincolnshire.
The LWP meet six weekly to discuss progress
and divide the work up amongst ourselves. For example our first
bid Waterways I contained six projects, each partner taking responsibility
for delivering two projects; thus sharing the workload and enabling
further bids (Waterways II, III, IV, V etc.,) to be submitted.
The LWP produces a thrice-yearly newsletter
to update the public on its work and holds regular waterway workshops
for people to attend. Feedback from the public via the consultation
mentioned above is also very positive; "we're making a difference"
"the partnership works and we get things done." There
is an excellent working relationship within the partnership and
the County Council views British Waterways as a valued partner
with a good delivery record.
The value of the LWP was recognised nationally
when it won the Partnership category in the 2006 BURA Waterway
Renaissance Awards.
Although the LWP has largely been bidding for
Objective two funds, which finish at the end of 2008, there is
no intention of winding up our work. The important role of waterways
for both urban and rural regeneration is recognised in Lincolnshire
and though we are proud of what the partnership has achieved,
we know there is still much to be done before they fully reach
their potential. The Regional Development Agency are very supportive
and we are aware of new funding streams and the Council's successful
work and good working relationships with British Waterways and
the Environment Agency will continue into the future.
If I can supply any further information on the
work of the Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership please don't hesitate
to contact me.
Lincolnshire County Council
April 2007
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