Annual Report shows revival in the waterways

Sixty years after they were brought into public ownership, the waterway network that fuelled the industrial revolution appears to be continuing a second period of sustained growth and investment, despite the economic downturn and pressures on public spending.

Increase in visitors

Among the many positive highlights of the report, were the large increases in visitors to canals and rivers, either by boat or on foot. The number of boats on the waterways has risen in the last year to more than 31,000 and this figure is even greater than at the height of the industrial revolution. In the same period there has been a 13% rise in members of the public using the towpaths, with 11 million people visiting for a range of activities including angling, cycling, walking, going to a waterside pub or simply feeding the ducks.

Caring for the nation’s third largest estate of listed structures, British Waterways (BW) has also made further strides in improving the historic fabric of the waterways, with fewer than 50 structures judged by local authorities to be at risk – down from 125 three years ago. Foxton Inclined Plane is just one of the structures owned by BW that has recently been removed from the buildings at risk register. The heritage value of the estate has been further recognised, with the iconic Grade I listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct nominated for 2009 world heritage status.

Adaptability is central to waterway revival

Commenting on the Annual Report Robin Evans, British Waterways’ chief executive, said: “The waterways today are being used and enjoyed in ways that few people could have imagined when they were built 250 years ago, or even when they were nationalised 60 years ago. The leisure use of the canals has been central to their revival but it is the adaptability of the network, including the ways in which it remains relevant to canalside communities, which holds the key to a prosperous future”.

With over 200 miles of new or restored waterway already opened in the last decade, British Waterways is also leading a £60m programme of canal building and restoration throughout the UK, and is a partner in a £25m Big Lottery Fund-backed scheme to transform the waterfront at Grangemouth.

Later in 2008 British Waterways (BW) will undertake a public consultation on its ten-year business strategy. Working with customers and stakeholders, the consultation will consider BW’s priorities as well as alternative funding methods. Robin continues: “The value of Britain’s canals and rivers isn’t in question. Their importance in today’s society, including the numbers of people using them, their role in regeneration and their historical as well as environmental significance will make this an important public debate.”

British Waterways’ Annual Report & Accounts can be downloaded at www.britishwaterways.co.uk.