THE INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION warn that canals and rivers face lack of funds.
It telling that many waterways are vulnerable to breaches and closures and face mounting maintenance costs, Janet Friend reports.
Funding shorfalls
The IWA state that Britain’s network of canals and rivers is under strain from funding shortfalls and growing climate pressures and that three-quarters of the country’s waterways face financial peril.
It has concern for Britain’s canals and rivers, as the country braces for heavier winter rainfall and intensifying summer droughts.
Areas of concern include the Pennines and the Midlands, where higher-ground reservoirs feed several canal systems and where droughts are expected to worsen, with sections of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal having been closed from May to September due to low water levels.
The collapse of the Bridgewater Canal embankment (pictured) at Dunham Massey on New Year’s Day this year highlighted the network’s vulnerability. Despite being well maintained, a large section gave way after heavy rainfall, flooding neighbouring fields and a nearby sewage works.
People evacuated
Nearly 1,000 people were evacuated from their homes and stabilisation has cost about £400,000, with full permanent repair costs unclear.
A spokesman for the association told:
“Decades of erratic government support along with more frequent extreme weather events have left many waterways vulnerable to breaches, closures and mounting maintenance costs.
“This year’s drought led to the closure of dozens of canals across the country, affecting wildlife, tourism, businesses, and people living on the canals.”
The IWA is calling for a government review to define sustainable, long-term funding, adding that millions now will save billions in the future.