Sankey Canal Restoration Society



Volume 3, Number 10 - Winter 1997

DIGEST OF NEWS FROM THE INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION (IWA) PRESS RELEASES

1) British Waterways made a presentation to the waterways user groups in October. It was stated that a grant-in-aid of £51m. has been indicated by the government. BW have replied that an additional £8m. is required per year up to 2004 to clear urgent structural repairs.

2) BW are to apply to have the 7.5 mile remainder length of the Leeds and Liverpool canal in Liverpool upgraded from "Remainder" to "Cruiseway" standard. After restoration work on the Huddersfield Canal has been completed, BW intend to apply for this canal also to be upgraded to Cruiseway standard.

3) BW intend to reorganise their waterway standards. The new grading system will cover "Navigation Standards", "Environs Standards", "Channel Capacity (or depth for navigation" and "Towpath Standards".

4) BW is currently giving deep consideration to its structural set-up particularly with regard to funding arrangements. Funding of BW is believed by its management to be severely hampered by (a) inadequate funds, (b) limited availability to borrow for business development, (c) a backlog of maintenance. Lobbying by user groups such as IWA is, of course, constructive in generating additional funding. Whilst remaining a nationalised industry, BW has limited commercial freedom to borrow money; hence money making ventures cannot be easily initiated. The government has ruled out the possibility of privatisation. BW can foresee only one option which might solve its financial straits; this is conversion to a Charitable trust similar to the National Trust would give greater financial room for manoeuvre. At the same time, the interests of users and the public would be safeguarded through legislation. The trust would have various categories of membership available with an average subscription of £20 per year. By the year 2009, a 200,000 members are anticipated. BW wishes to tap the profits from canal side developments which is currently being creamed off by Property Developers; money would be re-invested back into the waterways. The BW Trust would have an initial 20 year term contract with the government, renewed every 5 years. It would be based on the new waterway standards and asset management plan targets which BW is to introduce. The Trust would be managed by trustees appointed by interview panels which have representation from government and user groups.

An alternative set up would be for BW to remain as a nationalised industry but have a membership scheme similar to that of English Heritage. However minimum benefit can be seen from this arrangement.

BW's proposals have been circulated to user groups for consultation.

5) IWA warmly welcomes BW's efforts to reorganise and improve its funding arrangements. However, IWA believes that the future of the waterways is best secured by a management structure which is non-profit making and operates primarily in the public interest. The broad principles envisaged were set out by Robert Aikman, an IWA founder, in 1960. The original document has now been re-published by IWA; it proposes:-

A National Waterways Conservancy which encompasses all navigable waterways,
Is an independent authority administered jointly by representatives of all interested parties and by subscription paying members,
Is a registered charity,
Is charged with operating, modernising, enlarging and extending the system.

IWA has written to BW's chief executive on BW's re-structuring ideas, making the following comments:-

IWA is concerned that the BW should get its reorganisation right first time.
A reclassification system for waterways should not preclude the development of possible new freight traffic.
The proposed upgrading of the major Remainder waterways to Cruiseway standard is fully supported.
Structures of historic interest must be safeguarded; where development projects are initiated to generate profits, these should not overwhelm the historic nature and ambience of the canal network.
There needs to be safeguards against excessive commercial exploitation of the waterways and their surroundings. Future development should have restoration, preservation and improvement as its main objectives and should not be led by the profit motive of commercial development.
IWA considers that the new authority should take the form of "A National Waterways Conservancy" as set out in Robert Aikman's 1960 document.
The new management structure needs to retain its accountability to the public; its operation needs to be open to inspection and review by the waterway users.

IWA looks forward to a period of extensive consultation between BW, waterway users and other interested parties before legislation is finally brought forward. Timescale for introduction of the relevant legislation is anticipated to be at least two years.

6) At its National User's Group meeting on 2nd. October, BW announced that they had reconsidered the planned licence fee increase. Boat licences for 1998 will now rise by 7% plus 3.3% inflation. The same level of increase is planned for 1999 and 2000; thereafter the rate of increase will be pegged to the inflation rate.

7) The IWA Council appointed a second Deputy National Chairman at its November meeting. Richard Drake has been appointed for a year's term of office. Richard lives at High Bebington on the Wirral. He is the current IWA Western Region Chairman, is Chairman of the Anderton Boat Lift Trust, a member of the Boat Museum Society and also a member of Nantwich and Border Counties Yacht Club. He will be able to contribute considerable expertise in restoration through his experience with the Montgomery Canal and Anderton Boat Lift projects.

8) IWA is currently reviewing its policy on the subject of tow paths; it has circulated a new policy draft for comment and consultation. IWA wishes to promote the following standards to the owners, namely the Navigation Authorities.

The obvious principal function of a tow path is to provide a means for towing boats and gaining access to the waterway. Thus the needs of boat crews, horse boat operators, anglers and contractors are satisfied.
Most towpaths should continue to be classified as "permissive footpaths" and not as public rights of way. This is seen as essential to preserve the tranquil nature of the canal and guard against free-for-all use.
Horse riding should be prohibited; as most paths are unsuitable for horses other than at boat towing speed.
On the abrasive subject of cycling, most paths are clearly unsuitable for two wheeled transport. Hence, free access to cyclists by right is seen as undesirable, especially for rapid commuter or recreational cyclists. Permit holders only should be allowed; British Waterways in fact already has a bye-law which makes it an offence to cycle without a permit. This appears strange since bicycles have been used for access and as an aid to boating ever since their invention; (with the possible exception of the penny farthing of course) . The introduction of all terrain mountain models is seen as particularly threatening to the peace and tranquillity of the waterway environment. At the same time, it has to be recognised that there is mounting pressure to find more cycle routes away from the hazard and hassle of the other 20th. century forms of road transport. In fact, the 1997 Road Traffic Act has a requirement for segregated cycle-ways.
IWA supports the BW principle of managed and regulated access for cyclists. Permit arrangements which provide insurance cover for personal injury to bike riders and walkers are favoured. Boat licences should constructively include for one free bicycle permit per craft; as a bike can be a useful augment to boating activities; it can be ridden between locks to economise on water use and can be used to summon assistance in a dire emergency. Cyclists should exercise care when passing walkers or anglers. The advent of the fibreglass extended fishing rod demands particular vigilance on the part of the cyclist; who should be prepared to dismount. Racing or other group activities are definitely taboo as are motorised bikes. IWA intends, however, to press for all tow paths to be maintained to a good enough standard for light cycle traffic and to lobby for a list of ride-able paths to be produced. Unauthorised motor vehicles and motor cycles should be prohibited.
Fencing off of sections of tow path other than for safety reasons should be opposed.
A shared use of towpaths is supported so long as the historical nature of the waterway is not prejudiced.
Means of access should be enhanced so that the disabled can take part in permitted activities such as walking, boating, angling, sailing or canoeing.
IWA will encourage and support cleanliness and safety on the towpaths. Litter and canine fouling are seen as offensive items. The health hazard of dog excrement in the narrow confines of the towpath is unacceptable.

9) IWA has expessed its displeasure at the announcement from the two navigation authorities that their reciprocal licencing agreement is to be dropped. The Environment Agency, which covers rivers and estuaries, and British Waterways, which manages the inland canal system, are to terminate their agreement at the end of December. BW declined to re-imburse the annual payment demanded by the Environment Agency.

10) The National Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a £2.2 million grant towards the construction cost of a new waterside museum at Banbury. The project's partners will have to find additional money on top of the grant and the currently available matching funding.

11) Also announced by the National Heritage Lottery Fund is a £60,000 award to Rickmansworth Waterways Trust towards the cost of re-building the wooden narrow boat Roger. The boat was built in 1936 and is the sole surviving example from Bushell Brothers of Tring. Matching funding is sufficient for completion of the project.

12) On the River Weaver, a grant of £2,000 has been allocated from profits at the 1995 Chester National Waterways Festival to the restoration of Frodsham Lock at the Northern end of the river.

13) The IWA is to encourage more intensive use of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. For 1998, the IWA will present a specially designed plaque to all boaters who succeed in navigating the full 127 mile length from Stanley Dock in Liverpool to the River Lock in Leeds. British Waterways together with the Local Authorities have recently put enormous effort into restoration projects along the canal. IWA wishes to encourage these efforts and boost the traffic on this particularly beautiful canal. Unfortunately, sections of waterway at the Liverpool and Leeds ends tend to be little used. Details of the promotion and application forms for plaques can be obtained from Graham Eastwood, 61 School Lane, Leyland, PRESTON, PR5 1TU. A stamped, addressed envelope should be enclosed.

Extracted by George Bruce

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