CUTS TO BRITISH WATERWAYS BUDGETS ARE THREAT TO KIRKLEES CANALS

1.22.00pm GMT Thu 21st Jan 2010

Cuts to British Waterways budgets pose a threat to local canals, says Cllr Ann Denham (Lib Dem, Almondbury ward).

Cuts to British Waterways budgets pose a threat to local canals, says Cllr Ann Denham (Lib Dem, Almondbury ward).

The Government is planning to reduce the grant to British Waterways by 17% next year.

This will mean there is £9.6m less available to the already underfunded organization responsible for the maintenance and development of UK canals.

British Waterways received £57.4m in 2009/10 but according to consultants tasked to examine their funding they are already underfunded by £30m a year with a backlog of £200m in existing maintenance requirements.

Cllr Denahm said:

"The Government's decision to reduce funding to an already underfunded organization signals trouble ahead for local waterways like Huddersfield narrow canal"

"Kirklees canals attract tourists and bring money into the local economies and are one of our best and increasingly important assets."

"I am putting questions to the Cabinet members for Regeneration, Cllr McBride, today to ask what the Labour Cabinet intends to do to make certain that Kirklees gets the money the area needs."

"2011 will mark the 200th year of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. We must make sure that canal is functioning well at that time so that we can make the most of this momentous occasion."