Memorandum submitted by Weaver Valley
Regeneration Board
REVIEW OF BRITISH WATERWAYS REGENERATION
AND RESTORATION ROLE
1. The Weaver Valley Regional Park is a
unique opportunity to create a major recreational resource of
regional significance. The project seeks to create a regional
park that will provide a focal point for regeneration activities
in central Cheshire. The development of the Weaver Valley has
been identified as a key economic driver with the potential to
deliver enormous economic, social and environmental benefits to
the region. The Weaver Valley Board has been working with British
Waterways as a Board member and a key partner for the achievement
of this vision.
2. The vision for the Weaver Valley is:
"To connect, transform and energise the Weaver Valley, capturing
the area's unique spaces and places to drive forward an economic,
environmental and social transformation of regional significance."
3. The primary aim of the Weaver Valley
is to act as an effective strategic umbrella, bringing together
a wide range of partners in new and existing projects and helping
to amalgamate a number of assets, products, and experiences. It
will be the catalyst for growth, an engine of innovation and entrepreneurialism.
It will also create a true sense of place and raise the pride
of local communities in their neighbourhoods and their environment
and to the people of Cheshire in the form of improved environment
and public spaces for access and enjoyment. British Waterways
has been a committed and capable partner in the achievement of
this vision with a track record of delivery and with clear expertise
and professionalism in their field.
4. As a Board that values our relationship
with British Waterways we would ask the committee to recognise
the positive work being undertaken within the Weaver Valley relating
to the regeneration of canals for tourism and the local economy.
5. Understanding the pressures on all public
sector organisations at this time we can understand the difficult
funding decisions that have been taken however in our view this
in no way undermines British Waterways as a valuable partner in
regeneration within Cheshire.
Mike Cooksley, Chairman
Weaver Valley Regeneration Board
March 2008
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