Memorandum submitted by Alan D Crowhurst
BRITISH WATERWAYS—REGENERATION AND
RESTORATION
I understand that the Committee is calling for
representations from all interested parties and I would therefore
like to submit my views.
SUMMARY
England and Wales have very valuable recreational
assets in the canal system which needs to be rationed and restored.
Funding once committed should never be withdrawn.
1. The canals in this country form a vital
link in our history as well as providing very worthwhile opportunities
for enjoyment by boaters, anglers, walkers and all those who enjoy
their peace and quiet even within cities.. With increasing popularity
there is a need for more extensive facilities that would be provided
by the maintenance of all available existing canals and the restoration
of those that have been closed over the years.
2. In my view British Waterways should not
be subject to funding cuts but should have a budget that is increased
in line with costs year on year and that additional funds should
be voted to take care of major emergency works such as those on
the Brecon and Abergavenny. For funding to be withdrawn after
being committed to the Cotswold Canals Restoration is totally
unacceptable and for the government to sanction such a withdrawal
a matter for severe criticism.
3. So many people and organisations have
devoted so much effort to the Cotswolds canal that this action
by British Waterways is a very severe blow for which blame must
be attributed to Defra and the Treasury.
4. It would be better by far if the necessary
moneys for the works on the Brecon be taken from another budget
such as that allocated to the Olympics which, after all, represents
events that will merely last three weeks concentrated in East
London whereas our canals offer recreational facilities nationwide
that will last for decades.
5. For any agency of government to renege
on commitments firmly made does not conform to the standards that
we are entitled to expect and the decision on the Cotswolds should
be reversed. The Government should also rescind the reductions
in British Waterways' overall budgets and restore them in full.
I am not active in waterways restoration nor
do I own a boat but I do have a high regard for the engineering
achievements of British engineers over the centuries hence this
note.
Alan D Crowhurst
February 2008
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