Gloucester & Sharpness Canal threat

THE media in Gloucester, including This is Gloucester is greatly concerned that the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is to be downgraded, preventing such as the Tall Ships Festival.

It is pointed out that the Government and British Waterways are consulting over downgrading the waterway with control over its affairs set to be taken over by a charity.

Dredging end

That means dredging of the canal for commercial use, which is provided by British Waterways and is constant, would end, and would prevent events like the Tall Ships Festival, which attracted 80,000 people, which only  goes ahead because of the continued dredging of the canal.

Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company Chief Executive Chris Oldershaw complained:

"We are extremely concerned about putting restrictions on dredging which would put at risk future tall ships events. We are intending to put it on in two years' time, and it is a big draw for the city that it needs to make the most of.

"Other businesses, like Tommi Nielsen's yard, could also face major consequences. The canal needs to be dredged so that the tall ships and bigger craft can reach the city."

Little freight activity

After British Waterways becomes a charity options include downgrading the canal and the lower Severn because there is 'little to no freight activity'.

English Holiday Cruises owner Richard Clements explained the issue is preventing him from investing in another ship, following a record year of bookings.

However, British Waterways Regional Manager Ian Jarvis remarked it was likely draught requirements would be driven by demand, and only known spots for silt build-up would be dredged when the need arises.