Fight goes on to reverse canal cash cuts

7.02.48pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Dec 2006

This week in Westminster, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell has stepped up his campaign for the government to reverse their recent cash cuts to British Waterways that threaten the Peak Forest Canal and Macclesfield Canal.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr Stunell said:

"I have demanded that the government reverse their short-sighted budget cuts that threaten our treasured canals.

"Dozens of concerned residents have been in touch with me, appalled by the government's reckless decision to slash funding for canals.

"The cuts were triggered because of expensive mistakes by DEFRA in bringing in the new farm payment scheme. They will result in a drastic slow down in maintenance and repairs to the canal network.

"Waterways need constant care and these cash cuts leave our canals in jeopardy. I will continue to keep up pressure on the government to reverse the cuts, and to promise long term funding for our treasured waterways."

Notes to editors:

Andrew Stunell MP's Parliamentary Motion states:

FUNDING OF NORTHERN WATERWAYS

That this House welcomes the major improvements that have taken place in recent years across northern canals and rivers ranging from major inner city regeneration, such as in Manchester, through to the re-opening of historic previously abandoned canals, such as the Rochdale and Huddersfield; notes these waterways need constant care from lock-keepers in order for 200-year old structures to continue working; further notes that improvements may be in jeopardy due to the cuts imposed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on British Waterways and the Environment Agency resulting in real doubts as to the future health of the network; and calls on DEFRA to reverse both these budget cuts this year to ensure the network is funded so that the millions of visitors to northern waterways can continue to enjoy these national treasures.