A significant level of concern has been expressed by the Inland Waterways Association about the threat to waterways posed by funding cuts.
The IWA expressed particular concern over the financial situations for both the Canal & River Trust and Scottish Canals which they described as especially critical, and said that, despite being recognised in the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan, the condition of the waterways those situations continue to deteriorate while government funding is decreasing.
In a statement, the association said that canals and rivers are valuable assets which can contribute to the country’s economic recovery, help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and enrich the lives of local communities, elements it highlighted in its #WaterwaysforToday report, and added that ongoing funding was critical to not only save the waterways for today, but for the future too.
The IWA said that, as history had shown, without boats travelling along them, waterways silt up and become dirty rubbish tips, and that without proper maintenance reservoirs, aqueducts, and embankments deteriorate, resulting in communities being put at increasing risk of water damage from a failing infrastructure. It also said that the added threat of climate change will only worsen the situation as severe flooding and breaches become more commonplace.
As a result, it is calling on both national and local government to fund all waterways at a level that keeps them as major assets that can continue to contribute to the economy, peoples’ health and wellbeing, and coping with the climate crisis.
The IWA has signalled a clear intent to take action through raising awareness, petitioning, lobbying of politicians, being ready to work with Government, to collaborate with communities and continue to provide practical assistance in the maintenance and improvement of waterways.
David Pearce, Chief Executive of IWA said: “Our waterways benefit millions of people in the country, and it is essential that government continues to invest in them to ensure that these benefits can be maintained and increased”.
To join the campaign and help to visit #Protect Our Waterways, contact protect @ waterways.org.uk