My recent mail to MP:-
'With reference to the recent cuts forced on British Waterways by DEFRA
could I add my voice and ask you to draw the minister's attention to the
following extract from the DEFRA website and ask him to reconcile this
statement with the stated policy of the Deputy PM with respect to the
restoration and upkeep of the canal system (and indeed his recent visit and
encouragement to the National Waterways Museum (Ellesmere
Port)) and the negative effect that these cuts are going to have on
the progress that has been made and indeed how they threaten the investment
of lottery and charitable raised funds that has already taken place.
Quote-
"There are about 100,000 licensed boats on the waterways and the system
supports a holiday hire-boat industry of about 3,000 craft. Rowing,canoeing
and sailing are widespread. Angling is very popular - some300,000 people
fish British Waterways' canals,100,000 of them regularly."
"Much larger numbers of people use the waterways for informal recreation
activities such as walking, cycling, bird watching and exploring the
waterway heritage. It is estimated that 165 million leisure visits aremade
each year to British Waterways' canals and rivers alone."
"The recreational use of the towpaths and other waterside paths has grown
dramatically in the last 20 years. They provide access to open countryside
from towns and villages and many people use them as pleasant traffic-free
routes to walk or go by bike to and from work or school."
"Across the country, the holiday boat business alone is estimated to attract
more than 250,000 customers per year (10% from overseas),creating and
sustaining jobs, and contributing more than £40 million to local economies."
'
And his reply:-
Thank you for contacting me about the recent cuts in funding for BW.
There follows a paragraph dealing with the cuts and amounts...
I agree that the situation with the Rural Payments Agency and Single Farm
Payments has been disastrous and that DEFRA is fully culpable for this. In
West Derbyshire the situation for many farmers has been catastrophic.
I fully understand your situation and the points you make. I have,
therefore, forwarded your letter to David Milliband MP, Secretary of State
for DEFRA so he is aware of the points you raise. Ends.
John H
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