Memorandum submitted by Broxtowe Borough
Council
1. PURPOSE OF
REPORT
To demonstrate how British Waterways have been
an important force in promoting canal and riverside access improvements
in the Borough of Broxtowe.
2. SUMMARY
The council has worked in a very fruitful partnership
with BW over the last 3 years delivering access and interpretation
projects in the Trent Valley. BW have led these projects and so
demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing the waterside environment
and promotion of these areas for the benefit of different users.
The council continues to work closely with BW
to manage and encourage use of the countryside on the urban fringe.
3. REPORT
Over recent years the Council has been working
in partnership with British Waterways and others on a range of
projects relating to access alongside the Nottingham Canal and
the River Trent.
Generally these projects have been driven by
British Waterways and supported by other partners.
Initially during 2006-07 the council was involved
in a scheme worth £120,000 to upgrade 2km of towpath between
Beeston and Nottingham. BW undertook the work, which has resulted
in a high quality well used commuter and leisure route. This work
has enhanced the river valley and helped to develop local tourism
opportunities by use of local interpretation boards, signage and
production of a leaflet promoting Beeston Waterfront. Use of surveys
and site counters have shown that usage has developed significantly
since completion of the scheme. BW were also involved in an arts
project involving a local school which was developed in connection
with a flood relief project which ran alongside the access scheme.
Currently BW are leading a scheme worth about
£520,000 to upgrade paths alongside the river Trent and construct
a new bridge on the Beeston Canal towpath in Nottingham.
With both projects BW have submitted partnership
bids to the East Midlands Development Agency and managed the partnership
during delivery of the projects.
BW are active partners in the Trent River Park
Initiative which looks at regeneration of the Trent Valley around
Nottingham. I know they are working with the Environment Agency
to improve visitor access and enhance wildlife habitats at number
of sites near waterways. BW also attend local partnership meetings
such as the Attenborough Nature Reserve Access Group which brings
together a range of organisations to ensure that access issues
relating to a large SSSI are managed appropriately.
Recently BW have submitted a bid to look at
access in the Erewash Valley and the council hopes to be working
again closely with BW on a substantial project to improve and
promote this underused resource on the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire
border.
Overall the BW/ council partnership has had
a significant effect on improving leisure opportunities available
to residents in the Borough and the council looks forward to working
with BW in the future to make the most of opportunities as they
arise.
Broxtowe Borough Council
March 2008
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