Press Releases from Save Our Waterways will appear here.
Read IWA response to possible new cutbacks, 19th Nov 2007.
Joint Press Release from Organisations involved inthe Campaign:
Following the news that British Waterways is likely to suffer a Government funding shortfall of up to £60m over the next five years, ten national groups representing tens of thousands of waterway visitors and users are gearing up to campaign against the current thinking of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Speaking at BW's annual meeting earlier this month, Chief Executive, Robin Evans told over 100 waterway group representatives that "the cuts are clearly a threat to our strategic objectives" and "they will make life very much more difficult for us". The overwhelming reaction from his audience was one of anger and disappointment that the Government should claim the waterways network as a contemporary success yet deprive navigation authorities such as British Waterways and the Environment Agency of sufficient funding to continue the renaissance of the historic waterways network.
Since the meeting, a wide range of waterways' interest groups have come together to plan activities and events that they intend will make Defra realise the benefits that arise from a vibrant, active and attractive waterways network, and they are confident other organisations will support them. Representing boaters, anglers, cyclists, canoeists, rowers, horse riders, runners, walkers, environmentalists and local communities across the country, the newly formed alliance is aiming to bring the serious threat to the future of the waterways network to the widest possible audience across the UK.
Along with lobbying the hundreds of MPs who have a waterway within their constituency, the groups plan to arrange a number of public events that will encourage all fans of the waterways to join in the campaign for adequate public funding of the UK's historic network of canals and rivers. With forthcoming Government spending rounds about to begin, the Alliance believe that 'people power' will help greatly in showing that waterways are held dear by millions of people right across the country.
A campaign spokesman speaking on behalf of the groups involved, says:
"We are all deeply concerned that the tremendous progress made in caring for, opening up and putting to active use the historic waterway network of the UK over the last few years is not only about to come to an end but could actually be reversed. The benefits of pleasant, well maintained and accessible waterways are wide ranging and improve the lives of millions of local people who live close by them or who use them in the course of their leisure time activities.Why should they be deprived because of Defra's incompetence?
"We will not rest until the fight is won. Authorities such as British Waterways and the Environment Agency should not be punished because of mismanagement by Defra, nor should the millions of people who love Britain's waterways. The Government will realise very soon that there are millions of votes attached to those who care about and make use of waterways, and they will lose these if common sense does not return to Government thinking."