Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Ltd

PRESS RELEASE

17 July 2001

JOINED-UP THINKING WILL BENEFIT OUR WATERWAYS

Britain's 1,300 miles of disused inland waterways now stand a better chance of successful restoration, said Transport Minister John Spellar and Inland Waterways Minister Lord Whitty, today.

Derelict and disused waterways are being restored to their former glory faster than ever before. However, some restorations are jeopardised when road improvement schemes cut across the waterway's path, often meaning that the disused waterway is completely blocked.

New guidelines, announced today, will see an end to this. These will require the Highways Agency to take waterway restoration projects into account at the outset when designing road improvements and provide navigable crossings, if appropriate, as part of the road scheme. Road designers should make sure that road improvement schemes do not block the path of a waterway that has a realistic chance of being restored.

The need for clearer guidance is graphically illustrated by the case of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals, which lie in the path of the future Birmingham Northern Relief Road (BNRR). Although the guidelines are not retrospective and do not affect existing road improvement schemes, Lord Whitty and John Spellar have today confirmed a package of measures allowing the canals' restoration to continue.

Transport Minister, John Spellar, said:

"I am delighted that this issue has been resolved. The restoration of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals has made great progress since the decision on the BNRR was made four years ago and, in the light of our new Waterways for Tomorrow policy, I feel it is right that the road did not prevent the successful completion of this project.

"I am sure this move will be welcomed by all as an indication of the Government's support for waterway restoration in view of its contribution to the economic, environmental and social well-being of the country."

Following discussions with British Waterways, The Waterways Trust and other stakeholders, the Government has instructed the contractor for the BNRR to provide a navigable culvert under the road for the Hatherton Canal to pass through. This will complement a similar culvert under the adjacent A5 which is being provided following an agreement between the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, the Waterways Trust, and the contractors for the BNRR.

Since the 1960s, more than 400 miles of waterways have been restored to full navigation, revitalising run down areas, generating jobs and development, and increasing opportunities for leisure, recreation and tourism - in both rural and urban areas. There are currently more than 100 active restoration projects.

Lord Whitty said:

"This is an historic decision which will be welcomed by all in the waterways world, and will allow an important canal link to be restored. It ensures that for the BNRR now being built, and for the future road projects, restoration of waterways will be taken fully into account.

"We support waterway restoration and development, because of the social, economic and environmental benefits it brings. We owe a great debt to everyone working to restore disused and derelict waterways, which help to bring vitality to the parts of the country through which they pass.

"Our new policy for the inland waterways recognises the important role the waterways play in regenerating urban and rural areas. We are determined that improving roads does not put waterway restorations in danger."

Philip Sharpe, Vice-Chairman of the Lichfield and Hatherton Restoration Trust said:

"The Trust very much welcomes the Government's intervention to solve this long standing problem. This decision will protect the through route of the canal, allowing its full restoration for the benefit of everyone."

DEFRA website: http://www.defra.gov.uk