Stunell defends the Peak Forest Canal

8.58.21am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 30th Oct 2006

This week in Westminster, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has attacked the government for slashing cash to British Waterways and putting popular local stretches of canals, such as the Peak Forest Canal and Macclesfield Canal, at risk.

Commenting on his campaign to restore funding to British Waterways and protect the Peak Forest Canal and Macclesfield Canal, Mr Stunell said:

"Thousands of people enjoy walking, cycling, jogging and boating along the Peak Forest Canal and Macclesfield Canal. Marple locks are key attractions on the Cheshire Ring. Funding is vital to keep the canal in a usable and pleasant state.

"I am calling on the Government to reinstate the cash cuts it has imposed on British Waterways, and to promise long term funding for our treasured waterways."

Many local residents have been in touch with Mr Stunell over the week, backed by Marple's councillors, concerned that the future of the Peak Forest Canal and Macclesfield Canal are under threat.

Mr Evans, a Romiley resident and frequent visitor to the Peak Forest Canal said:

"The loss of this canal would be a massive blow to me and my family.

"The Peak Forest Canal is a key recreation area for people in Romiley, Marple and Woodley, and is well used by barges in the summer. There is loads of birdsong to listen to in springtime, lots of wild flowers, lovely greenery in summer, a fascinating lock system and many linking paths.

"The towpath is well used by runners, walkers with and without dogs, and cyclists and it is a key countryside route linking the Hyde area with Woodley, Romiley, Marple, Disley and Whaley Bridge without having to encounter any traffic. I love seeing the ducks and geese, and feeling the environment around me, without having to use a car."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The British Waterways cuts include 180 redundancies and a drastic slow down in maintenance and repairs to the canal network. The cuts have been triggered by serious errors by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in bringing in the new farm payment scheme, the costs of which have been taken from British Waterways, the Environment Agency and other DEFRA responsibilities.

2. Andrew Stunell MP is backing the following Parliamentary Motion:

Inland Waterways

That this House notes that the nation's inland waterways have undergone a transformation in recent years as more people are using canals and rivers for recreation than ever before, whether as boaters, anglers, walkers, cyclists or nature lovers; further notes that more freight is being transported and that regenerated waterways are the backbone of many inner city improvements and that thousands of jobs are linked to the well-being of canals; therefore notes with alarm that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has reduced British Waterways' grant by 15 per cent. this year resulting in a devastating effect upon the inland waterways; further notes that 180 British Waterways' staff are to lose their jobs and canals are to be closed; and calls upon the Government immediately to reinstate the cuts imposed upon British Waterways and to ensure long-term funding is guaranteed to enable continued investment and restoration of the waterways.

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