Nick wrote: > In those circumstances, a high-profile recent restoration > such as the HNC or the K&A would be far and away the best > thing, allowing much to be made of the amount of public money > that has been spent and that will be thrown away,
Except that the funding agreements which produced £millions for high profile reopenings almost certainly include clawback provisions if the canal is not kept open for X years. So if the axe comes it will fall elsewhere. I think it more likely we will see more deferred maintenance and a slow general decline. When something significant fails there will be an extended stoppage until more funds can be found, just as was the case in the 1980s with Blisworth and Netherton Tunnels, Anderton Lift etc. The next Mon & Brec or Stourbridge breach might not be fixed so quickly. David Mack
