BURT CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO "ROW BACK" ON WATERWAYS FUNDING CUTS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Apr 2007

Solihull MP, Lorely Burt, has called on the Government to row back on cuts announced in Inland Waterways funding of £7.5 million this year and up to £60 million over the next five years.

Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate today Mrs Burt praised the work of the Canal Trust and enthusiastic volunteers who maintain the canal network.

"Canals play a vital role in tourism - 300 million people visit our canals each year - including cyclists and walkers as well as boaters. In a time when we are all being urged to reduce our carbon footprint there is no greener holiday one could take.

There are also great regenerative benefits and freight potential as well as carrying water for domestic and commercial use" she said.

She added that compared with a DEFRA under spend of £747 million in its first five years, the proposed cuts paled into insignificance. She called on the Government to defer making cuts mid-year so that all involved could work together to minimise the damage.

The Minister, Barry Gardiner MP, promised he would sit down with the board of British Waterways to work out a way to create a sustainable future for this precious natural asset.