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Press Release

Announcement brings Ramblers vision of accessible woods and waterways one step closer

16 September 2011

This week's announcement on the future of British Waterways looks set to ensure that people will be able to take a stroll by the canal for years to come. The Ramblers welcomes the news that, as British Waterways moves into the third sector, access to our canals and towpaths will be strengthened.

Britain's Walking Charity has argued strongly that the nation's waterways should be held and operated for public benefit and that, in order to maximise the benefit to the public, access should be free and as extensive as possible; particularly as walkers are amongst the biggest group of people to use and access our canals and rivers.

In the Government's response to the consultation 'A New Era for the Waterways', published this week, they have proposed that the New Waterways Charity have an additional purpose: public access. This means that access to tow paths and canal side paths, which is currently allowed only on a permissive basis, will be protected for future generations.

The Ramblers is continuing to work to open up access for walkers to all of Britain's woodland and waterways.

Justin Cooke, Ramblers Senior Policy Officer, said:

“A walk besides Britain's waterways is an important part of our cultural heritage.

“The announcement this week helps to ensure that the right to walk beside the new waterways charity's 2,200 miles of canals and rivers will be strengthened.

“We welcome the government's commitment to improving public access to our canals and rivers and the recognition of the benefits access can bring to recreation, health and social wellbeing.”

Details of the DEFRA response and copies of the consultation report can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/09/12/waterways-charity-2/



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