Inland waterways campaigners call on government to safeguard waterways

Britain’s canals and riverways are falling into disrepair. Funding is urgently needed. And what better way to make a splash than sailing a flotilla to the heart of government?

Inland waterways campaign group, Fund Britain’s Waterways, has taken its message to Westminster. On Wednesday (08 May) a 20-strong flotilla called on the government to safeguard Britain’s inland waterways . . . by sailing up to the Palace of Westminster.

The flotilla included a mix of commercial freight vessels, several sea kayaks and 17 privately owned narrowboats, some of which had travelled over 350 miles battling against the severe weather and failing canal infrastructure, determined to reach Westminster. They sounded their horns to cheers from supporters on Westminster Bridge, capturing the attention of many MPs who had just attended Prime Minister’s questions.

“It has been fantastic to have boats travel from across the country to gather outside the Palace of Westminster,” says Les Etheridge, the organisation’s chair. “Supporting inland waterways is vital in continuing to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and connect with their local stretch of water.

“Our waterways are a bustling network that links communities, provides employment and leisure opportunities, which are underpinned by the network’s unique heritage. They also play a valuable role in water and flood risk management and provide a haven for wildlife.”

The flotilla was a culmination of Fund Britain’s Waterways’ May bank holiday weekend of action, with events being held across the country to highlight the impact of insufficient funding on rivers and canals.

Crowds of inland supporters and representatives from the campaign’s alliance of organisations, including Dame Sheila Hancock DBE, and chair of the all-party parliamentary group for the Waterways, Sir Michael Fabricant MP welcomed the flotilla.

Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing users and supporters of inland waterways campaigning to safeguard the future of Britain’s 5,000-mile network of canals and rivers. The campaign calls for recognition of the importance of Britain’s inland waterways for their environmental, leisure, heritage, and commercial freight value.

“Britain’s inland waterways play an integral role in millions of people’s leisure and well-being. Without support and funding this national asset will undoubtedly fall into decline,” says Mel Hide, RYA director of external affairs. “The campaign cruise at Westminster highlights the community spirit and passion waterways inspire in people of all ages and raises awareness of why safeguarding our blue spaces for future generations to enjoy is vital.”