DEFRA Cuts in Grant to the Inland Waterways
As National Chairman of the AWCC, I am appalled by the cuts
that DEFRA are proposing to make to the Grant-in-Aid given to British Waterways
and to the Navigation Function of the Environment Agency. I am asking AWCC
members to protest in the strongest possible manner to their MPs along the
following lines.
"It appears to me to be grossly unfair to penalise BW and
the EA, who have made great strides in the last nine years to reduce their
maintenance backlog and to revitalise our inland waterways as a world class
tourist attraction. This is both as a fully working waterway and as a living
demonstration of our 200-year-old heritage.
It is clear to me that every pound spent by the Government
on grant for inland waterways returns many more to the UK economy through urban
and rural regeneration and restoration projects. The cuts put all this at risk,
together with all the millions invested on restoration by the Heritage Lottery
Fund.
The Government policy was clearly set out in the White
Paper, Waterways For Tomorrow, some six years ago, and it now appears to be
thrown away just because of the inept and inefficient actions of the
responsible Government Department.
All those who write to their MP should specifically request
that he/she ask the question in the House as to why the problems within DEFRA
have been heaped unfairly upon BW and EA. They should also ask to meet
personally to discuss the matter face to face.
The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs has over 20,000
affiliated members countrywide and represents the interests of 'self-help'
people within the boating fraternity.
David Pearce,
National Chairman,
Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs"
 |
AWCC Press Release, 21
November 2006 |
(MS Word
format) |
|
AWCC Press Release about
the Jan 16 Campaign cruise. |
(MS Word
format) |
|
