Kennet & Avon could be upgraded

THERE is the possibility that the Kennet & Avon Canal will be officially upgraded as a 'cruiseway' from its present status as a 'remainder' waterway.

It was 20 years ago that the mainly derelict waterway was re-opened after years of work by volunteers and a hugely successful Lottery supported restoration project, but only as a 'remainder' waterway, which means that legally, the maintenance requirements are significantly lower, as technically the waterway doesn't need to support navigational craft.  (The photograph shows the derelict state of Caen Hill Flight, whilst the one below shows restoration work near Newbury.)

But of course British Waterways have in reality been supporting the Kennet & Avon during this period.

But now, the effort to regrade it, backed by British Waterways, The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and canal supporters, a six weeks public consultation began on Friday 16th July to gauge opinion on reclassification. Following the consultation, a decision to re-classify will be made by a  minister from the waterways sponsoring government department, the Department for Food and Rural Affairs.

Mark Stephens, British Waterways' Waterway Manager, stated:

"British Waterways has, in reality, been managing the Kennet & Avon Canal as if it has had cruiseway status since its multi-million pound restoration.

"We think that the formalisation of this status is beneficial to the canal, helping to secure its long term future by legally stating that the canal should be maintained to a level whereby cruising craft, such as narrowboats, can safely navigate the length of the canal. Here at British Waterways we believe that this is the appropriate classification for this popular and much-loved waterway, which this year is celebrating its 200th anniversary."

David Rees, Chairman, Kennet & Avon Canal Trust exclaimed:

"The Trust welcomes British Waterways desire to change the status of the canal from a remainder waterway to a cruiseway canal. It has long been the ambition of my predecessors to gain this objective for we see this as a commitment from British Waterways to the long-term future of the canal and a public promise to maintain this wonderful historic waterway that brings enjoyment and pleasure to so many people."