Improvements to BW's network
14. The combination of substantial investment in
the waterways network, the commercial income generated by BW and
the hard work carried out by BW staff and others with interests
in the waterways network has resulted in noticeable improvements
on large parts of the network. BW invested significant resources
into repairing its arrears: those principal assets (bridges, aqueducts,
embankments, tunnels, reservoirs) on the network in the worst
condition. In the early 1990s, BW had circa £300 million
of work required on its arrears; this amount has now been reduced
to £107 million.[20]
Importantly, BW was able to repair all arrears with health and
safety implications; as a result, no identified infrastructure
safety issues currently remain on BW's network.[21]
15. The additional resources also allowed BW to encourage
the restoration of derelict areas of the network, working in partnership
with local authorities, Regional Development Agencies, the private
sector and voluntary groups. Since 2000, over 200 derelict miles
of the network have been restored, including the Huddersfield
Narrow Canal, the Rochdale Canal and the Kennet & Avon Canal.[22]
The work of volunteers has been particularly crucial in these
restoration projects. During the network's darker days, organisations
such as the Inland Waterways Association and Cotswolds Canal Trust
valiantly kept alight the flame of canal improvements and re-openings.
The Huddersfield Canal Society campaigned for 27 years for the
re-opening of the Narrow Canal, initially a scheme with little
support. Similarly, the re-opening of the Rochdale Canal was the
culmination of over 25 years' volunteer work. These improvements
to the network have resulted in significant rural and urban regeneration.
BW estimates it is currently involved in regeneration projects
worth £6 billion, and describes regeneration as "the
biggest success of the modern waterway system".[23]
16. Today's waterways are a success story. It is
estimated that 300 million visits are made to BW waterways each
year.[24] Boating numbers
have increased, with a record growth of 7% in 2006 to 29,000 boaters.[25]
BW is possibly the largest single provider of coarse angling opportunity
in the country, with anglers making about five million visits
each year.[26] Nine million
day-trip tourism visits are made to BW waterways each year, with
over 100,000 people taking holidays on hireboats. The vast majority
of network users, however, are not boaters, anglers or holiday-makers.
It is estimated that 280 million visits each year—93% of
the total—are made for local reasons including traffic-free
routes to work and school, dog walking, and jogging.[27]
Surveys indicate that the general public consider the waterways
a valued and accessible national asset. Some 95% of the population
consistently rate the waterways as an important part of the nation's
heritage; 85% consider them as good places to visit.[28]
17. We received substantial evidence from waterways
users applauding the improvements made to the network over the
past decade. The Inland Waterways Association described this period
as a "Second Canal Age".[29]
The British Marine Federation said there had been a "renaissance"
in the leisure boating sector in recent years.[30]
18. The waterways network is a public asset, and
Government has a responsibility to keep the network in good order.
We therefore commend the commitment of Government, British Waterways
and individuals over the past decade in improving the waterways
network, and their success in doing so. Vibrant and flourishing
canals and rivers provide significant economic, environmental
and social benefits. Government should carry out a study to determine
the full social benefit of the waterways network as a basis upon
which to make future funding and strategic decisions.
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