Memorandum submitted by RENEW North Staffordshire
North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership
has been working with British Waterways on the regeneration of
the canal corridor through Stoke-on-Trent for the past 5 years.
During this period we have undertaken extensive improvements to
the canal corridor to bring sustainable long term benefit to the
area. The renewal of the waterside corridor, financially supported
by Advantage West Midlands and GOWM (Objective 2 ERDF), has seen
British Waterways as an important strategic key partner in the
economic and social regeneration of North Staffordshire.
During our period of partnership working we
have achieved a significant investment into the canal corridor
which has increased visitors to the area which in turn has benefited
the local tourism and associated local economy. British Waterways
has been a committed and capable partner with a track record of
delivery and with clear expertise and professionalism in their
field.
As an organisation who values our relationship
with British Waterways we would ask the committee to recognise
the positive work being undertaken within this sub-region relating
to the regeneration of canals for tourism and the local economy.
Understanding the pressures on all public sector organisations
at this time, we can understand the difficult decisions that have
been taken however in our view this in no way undermines British
Waterways as a valuable partner in regeneration in North Staffordshire.
Hardial Bhogal
Director
RENEW North Staffordshire
March 2008
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