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# Lichfield MP meets with Canal and River Trust boss to help mark 10th anniversary
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-mp-meets-with-canal-and-river-trust-boss-to-help-mark-10th-anniversary/
- Published: 2022-07-02T05:58:00.000Z
- Updated: 2022-07-02T07:05:59.000Z
- Description: Lichfield’s MP has helped to mark the tenth anniversary of the Canal and River Trust.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:11, News

Lichfield’s MP has helped to mark the tenth anniversary of the Canal and River Trust.

Formed out of the old British Waterways, the organisation helps to support the network across the country.

Michael Fabricant, chairman of the Waterways All Party Parliamentary Group, said:

> “The value of our canals should never be taken for granted – they are not only used for navigation by narrowboats, but provide a tranquil environment for wildlife and for walks along the 2,000 miles of towpaths.  
>  
> “These generate £5.9 billion worth of public benefit per annum and support more than 80,000 jobs.  
>  
> “Last financial year, despite Covid, the canals attracted 8.3 million visitors – many from abroad – and 742 million separate visits. That’s quite something.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant

The Government provides an annual grant of £52.6million. But the funding, which is about a third of the trust’s income, is now up for review.

Mr Fabricant:

> “At a one-to-one meeting with Richard Parry, the chief executive of the trust, we agreed how important it is that the Government grant continues with funding or the inevitable result will be that some canals will have to be closed.  
>  
> “We are blessed in Lichfield by having two major canals running through while Birmingham and the Black Country enjoy more canals than Venice. It is essential we keep and enhance this national heritage.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant