Memorandum submitted by Gloucestershire
and Herefordshire Inland Waterways Association
INTRODUCTION
1. This submission is on behalf of the 280
plus members of the Gloucester and Hereford Branch of the Inland
Waterways Association, who have been consulted and their views
represented here.
2. In addition, we have spoken to members
of the public.
THE OVERALL
EFFECT OF
CUTS IN
FUNDING TO
BRITISH WATERWAYS
3. Since the initial cuts of funding to
British Waterways, we have noticed a considerable reduction in
service on our Canals in the Gloucestershire area. The Gloucester
and Sharpness canal has a considerable of bridges, which can only
be operated by BW staff. Due to financial restraints the canal
is now only open five days a week throughout the winter period.
Severely restricting use, even though in the same period mooring
fees have risen by up to 100%.
4. This area of the country last summer
suffered considerable damage in the floods. The Gloucester and
Sharpness alone experienced £1 million plus of damage for
which BW do not have the finance to repair. Creating a situation
where footpaths and cycle ways are now closed and the likelihood
that further damage will occur when further adverse weather conditions
arise.
5. The effect of this lack of finance further
not only damages the future of the canal but also the restoration
of the Cotswold Canals by restricting access and use.
6. By continually reducing maintenance and
service, we feel that DEFRA is making decisions that could lead
not only to higher costs in the future, but possible injury to
members of the public . . .
7. It is essential that our heritage be
protected. The value of the waterways to an enhanced way of life
locally and nationally is considerable and something to be proud
of. Visitors from overseas love our waterway system and enhancing
it with restoration can not help regenerate areas but improve
the UK`s image to the world.
8. We believe that BW's capital expenditure
this year had been budgeted at around £35 million. Since
the breach on the Mon and Brec, this sum now been reduced to perhaps
£25 million. How can a system survive which has already had
considerable cuts and then has to cancel urgent repair work?
9. We feel that the waterways are a unique
national heritage and as such have funding similar to that as
English Heritage. On the other hand, perhaps English Heritage
should take all the heritage aspects.
WITHDRAWAL OF
FUNDING FROM
THE COTSWOLD
CANALS.
9. To withdraw funding from a scheme that
has received widespread support and is essential to the economy
of the local area, at such a late stage is unworthy of any government
body, but to withdraw without notice even to close partners is
appalling.
10. To make the excuse that BW have to fund
a breach on the Mon and Brec makes little sense in the overall
manner of things. BW should try harder to obtain alternative funding.
The Welsh Assembly, Tourist Boards etc come to mind.
11. It is important to emphasis. the strong
local support for the Cotswolds project as a whole. The decision
by BW to withdraw has created a feeling of strong feeling of mistrust
and fury amongst the majority.
12. We feel that BW for some time have been
trying to get out of the Cotswold's project, For example they
have already withdrawn from Brimscombe. The latest apparent lack
of funding is an excuse to withdraw not the real reason.
Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Inland Waterways
Association
March 2008
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