Memorandum submitted by The Lichfield
and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
Reasons for having contact with British Waterways
1. L&HCRT has maintained regular contact
with local waterways managers from its inception in 1988. In recent
years our main contact has been with the manager of West Midlands
Waterways. We have also worked directly with the Chief Executive.
The relationship has always been friendly and supportive and is
currently extremely positive. In times of difficulty the Trust
has always turned to BW, usually to great effect. The Trust recognises
that, in the longer term, major canal restoration projects are
unlikely to reach completion within a realistic time frame, unless
they have the support of BW, local authorities and, ultimately,
government.
2. What is being achieved with British Waterways
The Trust has worked closely with British Waterways
in a number of areas.
(a) The construction of an aqueduct over
the M6 Toll Road and the redesign to navigable dimensions of culverts
under M6 Toll. BW provided advice and, through the Waterways Trust,
support with funding a major project at very short notice.
(b) Joining discussions with Staffordshire
Highways to ensure that new road construction did not obstruct
the restoration route of the Lichfield Canal 2006-2007. Also assistance
with design work. Again, time was limited and the very active
input of BW staff saved the day.
(c) Facilitating a feasibility study for
the Hatherton Canal. BW handled the sourcing of providers and
ultimately Ove Arup.
(d) Advising and supporting work to reinstate
a road bridge over the Lichfield Canal. Land acquisition was complex
and BW advice and support was required.
(e) Ongoing discussions on ways in which
BW can assist the Trust. The Trust will identify areas in which
BW can supply advice and support.
(f) The Hatherton Canal is partly in BW ownership
requiring the Trust to work with BW when regular volunteer work
parties are deployed. Health and Safety advice has been required
and provided.
(g) Advice in specific areas such as purchase
of property, development requirements and design of structures.
3. The Nature of the Partnership
The support of BW for the work of the restoration
trust is a key ingredient in making progress. In addition to the
items listed above being able to quote the positive involvement
of BW carries considerable weight in discussions with local authorities,
businesses and land owners.
4. The Future
While restoration organisation can, and have,
achieved, a great deal as free-standing organisations the support
of British Waterways becomes vital if the major projects are to
be taken to completion within a reasonable timescale. Several
of our major achievements could not have been made without very
active BW support. The Trust has now reached a point where even
greater input will be required as it moves from a mixture of crisis
reaction and spot restoration projects to a more strategic level.
We need to stress the value of the restored canals to the regeneration
of the grossly underused waterways, to the north of Birmingham.
The return of boats to these waterways will be of enormous value
to areas which are suffering economic and social deprivation.
We also need to show that our reopened waterways will ease pressure
on areas of the Midlands canal network which are becoming seriously
overcrowded and bring tourism to the heart of the Black Country.
The support of BW is essential in support of the volunteers who
need professional support and advice. We hope that the existing
supportive relationship can be developed and carried to a higher
level.
The Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust
March 2008
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