Waterways at a crossroads

PROPERTY consultancy Colliers International is calling for the transfer of British Waterways into Canal & River Trust to signal a re-incorporation of the canal and river network into the nation's infrastructure.

Planning Specialist James Edwards believes our waterways are at a crossroads, proclaiming:

"Our waterways are clearly at a crossroads, and we must grasp the opportunity to re-shape strategies around what is a genuine national treasure—not just from our past but for the future."

Take the opportunity

He goes on to remark that though we no longer have the heavy industry that these canals once served, we still have the infrastructure, and should take the opportunity to restore as much of the network and associated historic built environment and features as feasibly possible, whilst boosting tourism and invariably employment.

Reflecting the plea of many he urges that 'the canals network deserves much more than a glorified makeover, and should play a far more joined-up role in shaping our future communities. They shouldn't simply be pretty places for people to walk their dogs'.

Like many others he believes that the canals are sorely neglected, and could indeed become little more than not-so-pretty places for people to walk their dogs.