Memorandum submitted by Leicestershire
County Council
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission
to the Committee on our views of the work of British Waterways.
I would like to say how much the Leicestershire
County Council appreciates the work of British Waterways (BW)
in the management, curatorship and restoration of canals in the
county. It has proven to be a good partner to deal with, and takes
its heritage commitment seriously, covering both the historic
and natural environment it covers. It has always sought advice
and opinion of ourselves as partners and is ready to listen to
advice we offer about particular places and processes. The current
draft Heritage Partnership Agreement for Foxton is an example
how BW is looking towards the future in terms of improving management
and ensuring the historic and natural environment are considered
in even the most routine operations.
BW has provided very positive and helpful partnership
support towards the restoration of the Ashby Canal, the Grantham
Canal and the development of Connect 2 (the successful bid to
the Big Lottery for the People's Millions competition for an award
of £50 million) on the Grand Union Canal north of Leicester
by providing technical advice, strategic backing and officer time.
This support has helped with the successful restoration of part
of the Ashby Canal and is contributing to ongoing progress with
continuing restoration which will provide major regeneration benefits
in terms of increased jobs, tourism, business investment and development,
land reclamation leisure provision. The Grantham Canal Partnership
has also been very greatly assisted by BW support for development
of the canal corridor for recreational uses and for progress towards
restoration.
Our only concerns over the scale and timing
of BW's work has been as a result of major budget cuts over which
it has had no control, and we would advise that longer term budget
settlements are made to avoid the impact of the overspends in
other central government areas. Reductions in BW`s budgets in
respect of regeneration and restoration also inhibits the budgets
of partners in terms of match funding for initiatives and sadly
schemes either do not happen as funds are diverted elsewhere or
postponed into the future where there is a real danger that skills,
experience and knowledge are lost. I trust the Select Committee
will appreciate the very valuable contribution BW has made to
canal restoration in our area and rather than acquiesce with the
funding cuts will draw partners concerns to Hilary Benn and Jonathan
Shaw, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility
for British Waterways.
We would urge the Committee to encourage BW
to continue with this work and to support the provision of increased
Government resources for this critical aspect of BW's remit.
Head of Environmental Management
Leicestershire County Council
March 2008
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