An MP has highlighted the importance of local waterways at a talk in Lichfield.
The annual Northern Canals Association meeting was hosted by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust at Boley Park Community Hall.
Sir Michael Fabricant spoke to attendees from as far afield as Leeds and Manchester about the role of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Waterways
“I reminded the audience that there are over 5,000 miles of navigable waterways in Britain which is the envy of the world – indeed, there are more canals in Birmingham than there are in Venice!.
“Of the 2,000 miles of waterways cared for by the Canal and River Trust, over nine million people make use of them each and ever fortnight, whether it be as boaters or walking along tow paths.
“Questions afterwards were wide ranging, including on HS2 and the land they have taken and not returned which is affecting canal restoration, the future funding of the Canal and River Trust, and on planning matters.
“I shall be raising these with Michael Gove and others, and I have actioned Parliamentary Questions to him on the need for consistent planning guidance being given to local authorities which can be inconsistent with regard to canal restoration up and down the country.”
Sir Michael Fabricant
There are not more canals in Birmingham than Venice. There are more miles of canal on the Birmingham Canal Navigations which also includes Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.
Oh come on RFW this our MP you’re talking about. He always fits the statistic to the answer he wants, a bit like LDC and the car park debate.
I think a Meeting with Council Highways Dept to ask them about the potholes in Cappers Lane and the 3 year old ones on Fisherwick Road, Whittington would be of more interest to many residents. Rather than Canals. Then again- maybe today it’s quicker to get from A to B by boat.
I can kill two birds with one stone here! The pot holes will be repaired at the same time the canal will be finished. That is, not in your lifetime!
The canal to nowhere, its been the same eyesore for 30 years literally money pit
I pass the place every day it is a local joke
@ None benefifs – when you say it’s “a money pit”, can you furnish us with details of expenditure on this, or point me to where I can find it? Thanks
It’s frustrating to see the damage to the grass verge opposite the Darnford Lane canal site; it has been caused by volunteers parking on the grass.