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

1) Following representations from IWA concerning the increase in boat licence fees, the British Waterways Chief Executive, David Fletcher, has undertaken to reconsider the increases already announced for 1998 and 1999. He has given an assurance that all additional income generated from the increase in boat licences will be used for maintenance and repairs to navigation channels and structures. He confirms that BW are to increase spending next year. On waterways classified as "Cruising", spending is to be increased by 10% to reduce the backlog of repairs to dangerous and seriously dilapidated structures. Spending on waterways classed as "Remainder" is to be tripled.

2) The former Waterways Minister, Robert Jones, announced additional funding of £1.233 million in February for British Waterways. The money is to enable BW to carry out additional major repair works to the canal network and other urgent maintenance.

3) A conference on Waterways History is to take place at the UMIST Manchester Conference Centre on 11th. October. The purpose of the conference is to promote new research and encourage publications related to the history of inland waterways. The conference is being organised by IWA member, Paul Sillitoe. Further details are available from Paul on 0161 343 6342. [See our Spring Issue of CANAL CUTTINGS]

4) Further details have been released on British Waterways £78 million project to restore the Forth and Clyde, and Union Canals in the Scottish Lowlands. The project is supported by a £32 million Millennium Commission grant and is estimated to create 4,200 new jobs along the corridor of the canals.

A major feature will be the Antonine Wheel which forms a new canal interchange to replace a flight of locks abandoned in the 1930s. Travelling from East to West along the Union Canal, boats will be lowered 10 metres by a lock, then move into a holding basin before passing into a tunnel under the Antonine Wall. An aqueduct with spectacular panoramic views follows, finally a 25 metre diameter wheel lowers the boats to the Forth and Clyde Canal. The wheel operates on the principle of the water-wheel. This is an ancient form of technology which also has the attraction of being environmentally friendly since it does not require external energy input. The wheel will also carry foot passengers and cyclists.

5) The National Heritage Lottery Fund has announced a grant of £1.14 million towards the cost of a 3 year programme of development at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester. Total cost of the project is £1.5 million. The plans include improved education facilities, a new display gallery, workshops and storage space.

6) British Waterways have discontinued the practice of escorting boats passing through the locks on the Ashton Canal. The purpose was to combat vandalism and attacks on boaters, boats being escorted through the locks at fixed times. The situation is to be monitored and patrols may be reconsidered for the busy holiday period of July and August.

The proposed extension to the Manchester Metrolink to Ashton-Under-Lyne will have repercussions on the Ashton Canal. The Metrolink extension will cross the canal at New Road Bridge adjacent to lock 8. and run alongside the canal between locks 1 and 6. At present, a 6 month closure of the canal is planned while construction work proceeds.

7) A new organisation has been set up to preserve the Industrial Heritage of the Bridgewater Canal corridor from Castlefield, Manchester to Wigan Pier. This is a joint organisation, combining the local authorities in the North West and other interested bodies. The corridor includes the section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Leigh to Wigan Pier. The new organisation will set out to facilitate greater public access to all aspects of the industrial heritage of the canals and encourage new facilities. It will also try to persuade existing owners to invest more in the facilities and features along the corridor. The IWA's representative on the Board of Trustees for the new organisation is John Fletcher, the Manchester Branch Chairman.

8) A pilot scheme, whereby cyclists on canal tow paths will be required to obtain a cycling pass is to be introduced on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The scheme will take effect from 1st. July. The cost of a pass will be £12.50 per annum, if bought in advance, or £15 at the tow path. Cycling on tow paths is a controversial topic, which causes friction between cyclists, anglers and walkers. British Waterways bylaws do not allow cycling without permission; BW have elected to attempt to positively manage cycling. Cycling passes will be available free of charge to all BW annual licence holders. However, cycling has been banned altogether on the Bridgewater Canal tow path by order of the Manchester Ship Canal Company.

9) Following election of the Labour Government in May, the Departments of Transport and Environment have been merged under John Prescott, the Secretary of State. The new Junior Minister with responsibility for British Waterways is 36 year old Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey.

10) A new booklet is to be published in July in a joint arrangement between British Waterways and Waterways Recovery Group. The booklet is entitled "Volunteers Working Safety", and covers Construction Design and Management Regulations.

11) The Manchester branch of IWA has completed a cruise around the Cheshire Ring. The object of the cruise was to draw attention to the various achievements already in place and to the problems now being experienced. 15 boats took part, most privately owned. One hire boat was crewed by two visitors from the USA which served to highlighted the input of tourism to the local economy. Many local dignitaries went on the 16 day cruise; gaining a taste of the waterways and hopefully improving their knowledge and sympathy for IWA's objectives.

12) The Environment Agency has announced a series of new signs for boaters. These will mostly appear in mid-stream of the waterway, and will indicate restrictions, warnings, directions and information. A leaflet giving details of the new signs is available from any of the Agency's navigation offices.

13) The Birmingham Canal Navigation (BCN) Society has obtained an award of £21,400 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A new work boat is to be constructed to help their volunteer work-parties. The grant covers 90% of the cost; the remaining 10% being raised by the Society. The 36 foot boat will be constructed by a local boat-builder.

George Bruce

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