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Publication Date: 01 June 2007
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) warned today of the issues that would need to be taken into account by anyone undertaking a review of the potential privatisation of British Waterways.
Whilst IWA is sympathetic to any approach that seeks to find a permanent solution to adequately fund the waterways system, the Association believes privatisation to have many significant pitfalls, not least the danger of valuing British Waterways’ estate only as a commercial development opportunity and failing to take into account the heritage, transport and leisure benefits to the nation as a whole.
IWA also warned of the consequences that a piecemeal sell off of the estate could have, and highlighted that this may potentially have a detrimental effect on homeowner properties located adjacent to the waterways, as well as for waterway users.
John Fletcher IWA national chairman stated:
“A core question facing those who seek to privatise the waterways is what is it that the private sector can do to fund and continue funding the maintenance of the system that British Waterways cannot do now?”
“Whilst a sell off of property would raise funds in the short term, how would this help to provide a sustainable income for the future maintenance of the waterways? Would any revenue be ring fenced, or would it be raided by government which needed funding its other priority issues?”
“IWA is further concerned that a piecemeal sell-off might ensue. Whilst popular routes and locations would be ripe for development and attractive to purchasers, would routes less frequented by boaters such as the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, be as attractive? There are large embankments, and a breach, whilst highly unlikely, could have catastrophic consequences. Would private organisations be able to insure adequately against the consequences of a breach in a populated urban area?”
“IWA also want to know what would be the net consequence of a sell off of popular and profitable sites on those that have little development opportunity and high maintenance costs. Would these less well used waterways be allowed to fall into decline and general disrepair with the detrimental impact on users and adjacent homeowners alike or would they be in-filled to reduce public liability? Would they have to be maintained as a residue by Government? And if the latter, to what benefit was the sell off in the first place? It does not seem like a sustainable future for the waterways”.
John ended by stating:
“It is clear that IWA’s lobby on behalf of all waterway users is being heard and garnering wide support, however, it is imperative that all waterways users continue to remain vigilant and not allow privatisation by default or stealth. Anyone who cares for the waterways should write to their MP now “.
Ends
For more information please contact:
Jo Gilbertson Campaign Coordinator Tel: 01923 711114 Ext 31
E-mail: jo.gilbertson@waterways.org.uk
Notes for Editors
Inland Waterways Association
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is a registered charity, founded in 1946, which advocates the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and development of the inland waterways for public benefit. IWA has over 18,000 members whose interests include boating, towing path walking, industrial archaeology, nature conservation and many other activities associated with the inland waterways. Additional corporate members raise the combined “voice” of the IWA to over 60,000.
IWA works closely with navigation authorities, other waterway bodies, a wide range of national and local authorities, voluntary, private and public sector organisations to raise funds, lobby for support and encourage public participation.
