This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Canals emerge as source of regeneration
24/03/2005
A report examining the performance of British Waterways
since 1999 has endorsed both the commercial objective of
becoming largely self-sufficient and the broader public
policy objective of increasing use of the network.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"British Waterways is transforming and regenerating
Scotland's canals and the surrounding areas. This report
emphasises British Waterways success and praises the good
work undertaken in partnership with the Executive since
devolution.
"Now that the basic infrastructure is in place, British
Waterways has changing priorities to further improve our
waterways. There is also a need to update the corporation's
operating framework to ensure the full potential of our
canals is realised."
The Review recommends:
- New rules and guidelines to
increase clarity of purpose and measurement of
performance including new policy objectives for British
Waterways
- Setting of key performance
indicators
- Long-term funding on a
contractual basis
- Wider investment powers to allow
investment near to other waterways.
- Cross border financial flows to
be better identified and monitored
Alun Michael, the UK Minister responsible for Transport
in England, said Britains's canal systems, once seen as an
ill-maintained liability had been transformed into a much
loved public asset.
He added:
"British Waterways has made significant progress over
the last five years. The canal and river network is in
better shape than it has been for many years, and is
delivering many benefits to boaters, other waterway
visitors and people in local communities.
"Our canals are now a form of regeneration in both urban
and rural areas, and having seen first hand the enthusiasm
of ordinary people, visitors and those who work in the
waterways industry for our canals, I want us to build on
that success in responding to the review's
recommendations."
http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk