Memorandum submitted by the Kennet and
Avon Canal Partnership
1. The Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership
is a grouping established to steer the regeneration and restoration
of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Its membership consists of the riparian
local; authorities, The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, the Waterway
Trade Association and British Waterways. Its work as a partnership
continues even though the waterway restoration works have been
completed. The present focus for the group is principally to provide
strategic guidance and assistance to the managing bodies on waterway
matters of recreation, development and access.
2. The groups membership recognise strongly
the significant benefits that has accrued to its members and communities
since the completion of the waterway restoration.
3. The Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership
consider that the withdrawal of British Waterways from the Cotswolds
Canal Partnership presents a huge issue and will no doubt put
the project at risk. This will mean that the social, economic
and environmental benefits similar to those enjoyed now along
our waterway will be lost to the communities of the Cotswolds.
4. It is strongly requested that the Department
finds ways to assist British Waterways finance and rejoin the
Cotswolds Canal Partnership.
Terry Kemp
Chairman
The Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership
March 2008
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