Following much consideration the SOW steering group has approved a Constitution that essentially makes the Save Our Waterways campaign a membership-based organisation.
This decision was not taken lightly, nor in isolation. Recently we have held two open meetings designed to identify our future strategy. Given that Defra is unlikely to solve its mainly self-inflicted funding crisis in the near future, we need to look at other targets. The EFRA inquiry highlighted the fact that several government departments benefit from a thriving inland waterways system. Thus, departments responsible for transport, health, education, sport, recreation, tourism, communities, jobs, local government and even the Treasury, all gain from a buoyant waterway network and would stand to lose if it fell further into decline. Clearly, if they stand to gain, it would be a sound investment if they could be persuaded to contribute to the costs of adequate maintenance. Not an easy target we hear you say, but there are very simple arguments that can be used to make a convincing case. For example, BW spend an estimated £6 million per annum on what we consider to be 'community issues' - towpath maintenance and rubbish removal (including fly tipping and vandalism). Some local authorities already contribute, but not nearly enough. This theme will be a central part of our new campaign strategy, and to implement it we need to involve local residents who live on and around the waterway but probably don't (yet) appreciate the important role it plays in their lives. The system passes through over 200 local authorities, so our task is to gain the active support of local people and media who in turn will help carry the message to national and local politicians. So we urge those waterways enthusiasts who have supported the campaign so far to help recruit these casual users to the 'new' SOW ranks. Our aim is to create groups of supporters in the hundreds of waterways communities. That is the target audience for the new SOW - and we need you help us to reach them. To join us, visit our website: www.saveourwaterways.org.uk/join where you will find ways to pay by Paypal, credit/debit card, bank transfer or cheque. We are conscious that many people do not have easy internet access so we will be distributing membership forms widely and we are also investigating ways to pay at retail outlets around the country. So let us Save Our Waterways together! -- Will Chapman On behalf of Save Our Waterways www.SaveOurWaterways.org.uk
