Inland Waterways petition to protect canals

Following media speculation that the Government intends to include British Waterways property portfolio in a planned asset sale, Clive Henderson, National Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), urges all boaters and waterway users to sign up to the petition on the 10 Downing Street website. 

‘Further to recent announcements concerning the potential sell-off of properties owned by British Waterways by the Treasury, we petition the Prime Minister to give assurances that our canals will be protected and recent levels of investment, a credit to Labour, is maintained.

Our canals are great source of pleasure for many people in the country, providing a source of employment through tourism and associated businesses. They’re also home to many forms of wildlife. Without proper management this will ebb away and the network return to a state of decay and ruin.

We urge the Government to allow British Waterways to retain its property portfolio, protecting its essential source of revenue and ensure the sustainability of its work.’

The IWA supports this statement and asks boaters to add register their protest at  http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/protectourcanals/.