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# Waterways and towpaths must not be allowed to fall into disrepair, Lichfield MP says
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/waterways-and-towpaths-must-not-be-allowed-to-fall-into-disrepair-lichfield-mp-says/
- Published: 2022-11-16T07:58:00.000Z
- Updated: 2022-11-16T08:02:23.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:07, News

Waterways and towpaths cannot be allowed to fall into disrepair, Lichfield’s MP has said.

A 15 year grant agreement for the Canal and River Trust is due to expire in 2027.

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has now initiated a debate in the House of Commons in a bid to safeguard the future of canals and waterways across the country.

He said:

> “The Canal and River Trust are responsible for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers as well as infrastructure, including 71 reservoirs and over 2,700 listed buildings.  
>  
> “Much of these are over 200 years old and have to be maintained to preserve their safe operation.  
>  
> “Regardless of whether you are a boater or just like walking along canal towpaths and enjoying the wildlife, our canal system is the envy of the world.  
>  
> “But funding for these waterways is under threat – the trust’s 15 year grant expires in March 2027 and the grant is overdue for renewal.  
>  
> “I shall be asking ministers to confirm the future of our waterways and towpaths. We cannot allow them to fall into disrepair.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant

The debate on the issue will be opened by Mr Fabricant on 22nd November.