A Vision for the Strategic Enhancement of Britain’s Inland Navigation Network

Willow Grange Church Road Watford WD17 4QA T: 01923 201286 F: 01923 201455 www.aina.org.uk Association of Inland Navigation Authorities

AINA was set up in December 1996 with strong encouragement from Government to provide for the first time a single voice on waterway management issues. The broad purpose of AINA is to facilitate the management, maintenance and development of the inland waterways for navigation as an economic, environmental, recreational and social resource. Between them, AINA members own, operate and manage some 5,000 km of waterway; representing almost a complete UK coverage. Each member body has its own constitution, aims and objectives, and in many cases governing Acts of Parliament designed for transport needs 250 years ago.

AINA’s key objectives are to:

• Provide a forum for the sharing of best practice, advice and expertise. • Represent the views of the Association to Government, EU, statutory agencies and other relevant bodies. • Develop links with its European neighbours. • Secure adequate investment in inland waterways. • Promote public awareness of the value and potential of inland waterways and gain support for their development and conservation. • Enhance the amenity and environmental quality of inland waterways. • Coordinate aspirations and plan in the context of a national strategy for exploiting the potential of inland waterways.

Each has a responsibility to promote and develop not only its own part of this vision, but also to generate further visions and schemes. Many AINA members are small, relying on voluntary management and contributions working within local communities. It is through those communities that many partnerships can be built. Through AINA the experience, resources and skills of each navigation authority can be applied for the benefit of all.

AINA Willow Grange Church Road Watford WD17 4QA www.aina.org.uk

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COWES A CHRISTCHURCH River A Stour River Medina Full navigation maps available from: NEWPORT A WAREHAM A Map Reference GEOprojects (UK) Ltd River ISLE OF WIGHT Frome 9-10 Southern Court Navigable Waterways Other Waterways South Street Distance in miles, number of Broad canal (over 7ft wide) Millennium canal (opens 2002) 5M 2L > > locks, and time in hours Reading 2H RG1 4QS Narrow canal (max 7ft wide) Under restoration between markers Timings are calculated on an average of 3mph and 10 minutes River navigation Proposed new navigation Tel: 0118 939 3567 per lock on canals, and 4mph and 15 minutes per lock on rivers GEOprojects Inland and commercial waterways. You may be able to travel faster 3 GEO Waterways series GEO Tidal river navigation projects Fax: 0118 959 8283 on some rivers, depending on the speed limit. projects e-mail: [email protected] ©GEOprojects 2001. Appendices

Appendix (vi)

Finance

AINA recognises the considerable cost of the AINA sees the following sources of funding proposals this visionary strategy. Now is an as significant. opportune time to move from ideas to reality. 1. European Community funds. European funding 1. Global warming has initiated changing weather is a largely untapped source in the UK. In the patterns. Dry and wet summers and flooding in Republic of Ireland there are several examples of winter may seem exceptional, but consideration how European funding has enabled projects to should be given to a role for navigable waterways be realised, and re-vitalise a national economy. as drainage in winter and linear reservoirs in summer. (The Irish government has played a significant role in achieving this funding.) 2. Environmentally friendly policies enjoy a high profile with political parties of all persuasions. 2. Central funds. Government may be willing to AINA’s vision supports such policies; transport and invest in visionary waterway projects, particularly leisure on water are environmentally friendly. where flooding would be alleviated, and economic re-generation stimulated. Regional Development 3. The economic climate in the UK and Europe is Agencies should take a pro-active role. favourable towards imaginative navigational links. Cross-border co-operation on the Shannon - Erne 3. Local Government. Local government waterway in Ireland and the re-instatement of involvement in partnership with Regional inland navigation across lowland are Development Agencies is vital for both political two examples of visionary schemes. and financial support of navigation projects.

4. Public-Private Partnership. For local projects or inter-regional projects, business support may be forthcoming in partnership with regional, local, national or European fund-holders.

5. Voluntary support. Voluntary groups have a role to play in educating and influencing public opinion, and as watchdogs on local transport and leisure issues. Their influence can sway elected representatives and officials alike. AINA sees the voluntary sector becoming increasingly involved in partnerships with both private and public bodies.

> Freight on the Aire and Calder Navigation

29 Existing Waterways Network

BRISTOL CHANNEL

1 Foreword by the Chairman Contents

Following the publication in 1999 of it’s strategy document, Steering a Fresh Course1, the Page 5 Summary Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) now presents this vision for the strategic enhancement of the inland waterway network. It identifies those few projects which taken 6 Wider benefits of strategic enhancements together would open up broad trunk navigable routes interconnecting the estuaries of the rivers Thames, Severn, and Mersey, and link with the Wash and the . 9 The case for strategic enhancement Much of this network already exists. 12 Trunk network enhancements – broad cross-country links The identification of projects against certain criteria inevitably excludes other projects. AINA 26 Appendices: is aware of many excellent restoration proposals that are in hand. AINA agrees with the Inland Waterways Association that all of these are worthy of support in their own right and contribute 26 i Projects assessed by IWAAC as being of national significance significantly to a rich national and local amenity. AINA’s proposals should be seen in the context 27 ii Members of the Working Party of major projects already in hand, including those supported by The Waterways Trust and 27 iii Organisations consulted projects assessed by the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC) as being of national significance by virtue of their potential to link with the national network. 27 iv Respondents to the consultation 28 v The case for broad navigations AINA offers the nation this strategic vision in pursuance of the Government’s aspirations for inland navigations, articulated by the Deputy Prime Minister and his Minister, and set out in 29 vi Finance Waterways for Tomorrow2.

AINA recognised it would be difficult, and maybe controversial, to identify a relatively small number of projects which, taken together, would enhance significantly the trunk network. Bibliography Nevertheless, encouragement was taken from the words of George Devine, founder of the Royal Court Theatre in 1956 who said, “This thing is difficult to do, otherwise somebody would have done it before us”. 1 Steering a Fresh Course: A Strategy for the Inland Navigations of the United For this vision to become reality, it needs the commitment of all concerned, working together, Kingdom. Association of Inland Navigation Authorities. September 1999. sharing the burden and the cost and taking risks. AINA recognises that much detailed work AINA, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA. will be necessary, including economic, engineering and environmental analyses for each project, but hopes that a network of broad cross-country trunk routes will not be dismissed as too 2 Waterways for Tomorrow. Department of the Environment, Transport and ambitious, too difficult, or too controversial. It can be achieved, but it needs a kick-start. AINA the Regions. June 2000. DETR Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. believes that relevant navigation authorities in partnership with restoration societies, The Waterways Trust, Regional Development Agencies and Local Government, seeking funding 3 Waterways for Tomorrow National Conference 19th March 2001: Conference and support, could start an unstoppable process. Partnership with central Government would Report. Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. May 2001. DETR Free Literature, PO Box 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB. also be welcome for those projects which deliver sustainable regeneration and benefits to the environment and built heritage. We are already greatly encouraged that , the 4 Priorities. A report by the Inland Waterways Amenity largest navigation authority, has welcomed the AINA proposals and is ready to integrate these Advisory Council. June 1998. IWAAC, City Road Lock, 38 Graham Street, with its own strategic thinking on the future of the waterways. London N1 8JX.

We could do no better than heed the prayer attributed to one of Britain’s finest navigators, 5 Review of Waterway Restoration and Development Priorities. A report by the Sir Francis Drake: Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council. June 2001. IWAAC, City Road Lock, 38 Graham Street, London N1 8JX. (in press) “Lord God, when Thou givest to Thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know, that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same, until it be thoroughly 6 Inland Waterways. The Fourth Report of the House of Commons Environment, finished, which yieldeth the true glory.” Transport and Regional Affairs Committee. Volume I Report and Proceedings of the Committee. March 2001. Published by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office.

7 Navigation restoration and environmental appraisal: a guidance note. . August 2000. Environment Agency, Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD. D J Fletcher Chairman 8 Our Plan for the Future 2001-2005. British Waterways. February 2001. November 2001 British Waterways, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA.

2 3 Proposed Broad Waterways Network Summary

This document presents a vision for the AINA’s list of proposed projects does not include enhancement of the inland navigation network. major projects known to be already proceeding It is suggested that for the vision to become to completion. These include projects supported reality, 11 strategic projects need to be undertaken. by The Waterways Trust: They are trunk network enhancements which provide broad cross-country navigable links • The Anderton between the estuaries of the rivers Thames, • The restoration of the Huddersfield Severn, Humber and Mersey, and with the Wash Narrow Canal and the English Channel. • The Ribble Link These projects are summarised as: • The restoration of the

1. The enhancement of the southern section AINA also recognises the many waterway of the Grand Union Canal, Leicester Arm restoration projects and proposals around the 2. The lengthening of the Thorne Lock on the country. Also of interest to AINA in the context Stainforth and Keadby Canal of this vision are those projects assessed by IWAAC as being of national significance because, 3. The full restoration of the Cotswold Canals amongst other factors taken into account by 4. The extension of navigation on the Upper IWAAC, they will provide a strategic link and/or River Avon in Warwickshire extension to the national waterways system (Appendix i). 5. The lengthening of the locks on the Calder and Hebble Navigation IWAAC has welcomed AINA’s initiative in preparing 6. The enhancement of the Northampton Arm this visionary contribution to the debate on the of the Grand Union Canal development of the inland waterways system. A number of significant projects in the vision are 7. A new broad waterway linking the River included in the Council’s 2001 review of waterway Witham with the restorations and new constructions. In respect 8. A new broad waterway linking the Grand of these, the two documents are therefore Union Canal with the complementary. The Council hopes that publication of AINA’s vision will enhance support for these 9. The full restoration of the Wey and projects by providing a context for their future Arun Canal funding and development. 10. The extension of the of the Grand Union Canal to link with the As stated in the Foreword, AINA’s proposals are visionary within the context of cross country 11. The Muskham Bypass on the River Trent broad trunk routes. IWAAC has assessed at Newark individual schemes whose promoters responded to its questionnaire. Therefore, the respective lists, along with the list of projects being supported by The Waterways Trust should be seen to be complementary.

Each of these projects alone would add significantly to the network. But the whole is far greater then the sum of the parts in that each project strengthens the case for the others. Taken together they would be a considerable enhancement of the waterway network for the 21st century.

4 5 Wider Benefits

As these proposals are either new navigations, being revitalised. Where such development > The Birmingham Waterside: the benefits that water or major enhancements and restorations, opportunities exist, a balance needs to be struck brings to regeneration is now widely recognised. opportunities exist at the design stage to build between what may sometimes be competing in the widest possible range of benefits provided interests and priorities, to ensure that any change to the best possible quality standards. Therefore, is to the overall benefit of the waterway system not only will each project add significantly to and local communities. the inland navigation network, but also - with the cooperation and input of the appropriate authorities, organisations and trusts, and with public involvement – there can also be created:

• new and extensive nature reserves and wildlife habitats • towing path or waterside provision for walkers, cyclists, anglers, picnics, nature watchers, disabled access etc. • facilities for small boat and canoe users and boat launching

• educational opportunities for children of > Potential benefits for anglers... all ages • provision for community group leisure pursuits AINA also advocates that all development be • businesses and waterside facilities for visitors environmentally and economically sustainable. • ample moorings and services for the boats AINA urges all those engaged in implementing using the navigations this vision for the waterways to ensure that the principles of sustainable development underpin their approach and actions.

Thus addressed, these projects can be of extensive social and economic benefit to the urban and rural areas served, their communities and visitors. In designing the detail, special attention must be given to tasteful heritage preservation or restoration.

The DETR sponsored conference on Waterways for Tomorrow held in March 2001 was designed > ...and for cyclists to take forward ideas for ensuring the many benefits and opportunities the inland waterways offer are fully, imaginatively and adventurously Waterways also provide the focus for imaginative used by all. This event identified a wide range new development proposals and a stimulus of opportunities and potential benefits to society to turn otherwise uneconomic sites into viable within the contexts of social inclusion; economic propositions, assisting both urban and rural regeneration; the built heritage; recreation; the regeneration. The improvement of waterways natural environment; and tourism. In developing and the redevelopment of disused and derelict further the AINA vision for strategic enhancement waterside land creates a pleasant environment of the waterways network, all parties are encouraged in which people can live, work and spend their to take full account of the key findings expressed leisure time. In this way, many towns, cities and in the DETR conference report3. former industrial areas around the country are

6 7 The Case for Strategic Enhancement

Background

> The natural beauty of the waterways. The inland navigation network of canals and navigable rivers reached its nadir at the end of World War II, following years of neglect. Since then there has been a continuous and dramatic resurgence, promoted and assisted by:

• Many groups of enthusiasts who have campaigned and worked tirelessly for restorations. > Navigators of today and tomorrow • The Inland Waterways Association (IWA), with its distinguished record of raising the profile of inland navigations, encouraging • The House of Commons Environment, restorations, and influencing the authorities. Transport and Regional Affairs Committee report on Inland Waterways published • The establishment in 1968 of the Inland in 20016. Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC), its promotion of the wide-ranging • A dramatic increase in funding awards for benefits of waterways to society, and its navigation projects from many sources (e.g. 1998 Report on Waterway Restoration the Millennium Commission and lottery funds). Priorities4 and its review of this report published in 20015. There is a recognition by the public that the waterways are a resource of inestimable value • The navigation authorities, large and small, for a variety of recreations and have a potential investing, restoring, maintaining, developing for certain freight movements. A large leisure the network, often with generous support boating industry has built up, creating many and encouragement from the Government, jobs, boosting local economies, and attracting local authorities, businesses and charities. tourism from abroad.

More recently there has been: In addition, there are rich heritage and environmental aspects of the waterways and • The establishment of the Association of non-navigation leisure uses such as angling, Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) in cycling and walking, and other uses e.g. fibre 1996 which has enabled the navigation optic cable routes and water transfer. authorities to cooperate, to share expertise Waterway improvements can also often be a and develop good practice, to think catalyst for economic and social regeneration. strategically and to speak with one voice. Notwithstanding AINA’s appreciation of these wider uses and issues, this report is focussed • The establishment of The Waterways Trust on inland waterways as navigations. in 1999 to raise finance and to champion restoration and development projects. Even if every navigation were to be restored, it is unlikely that a network conceived and built, • The Government’s commitment to inland largely piece-meal and for freight movements navigation as evidenced in the Department 200 years ago, would be entirely appropriate for of Environment, Transport and the Regions the potential uses of the new millennium. In (DETR) policy paper Waterways for AINA’s view there is a need for new navigations Tomorrow, launched by the Deputy Prime and improvements to existing navigations, to Minister in 2000. Also by increased funding create the network for the future. In that context, for British Waterways and for navigation AINA presents this visionary strategic plan for the and recreation within the Environment Agency. enhancement of the inland navigation network.

8 9 The Visionary Approach The Proposals

AINA’s approach is deliberately visionary. We AINA is recommending a relatively small number recognise that before any of the proposed projects of projects which would together enable as many can become reality there is much detailed work different types of inland waterway craft as possible to be done by those with the appropriate skills to go from end to end of the network, making and the necessary resources. Further studies must passages which are currently impossible. These include, inter alia for each project the likely economic projects would create new cruising rings and benefit and cost, the engineering feasibility, water would link up substantial parts of the network supply considerations, environmental impact and between which there is currently restricted or no land acquisition. The Environment Agency document passage. The case for some broader navigations is Navigation restoration and environmental appraisal: set out in Appendix v but it should be understood a guidance note7 is one excellent reference for that AINA recognises the cultural, heritage and > Foxton locks the consideration of some of these issues. aesthetic value of Britain’s many narrow canals and wishes to see them preserved. Visitors from The economic benefit of each project should be abroad who are familiar with their countries’ assessed not only in local terms but also in the navigations behold with wonder the unique narrow The Process context of its contribution to the national network, locks in Britain, and take pleasure in their smallness and its contribution to urban or rural regeneration. and the tranquillity which surrounds them. In January 2000 AINA set up a working party AINA recognises that the Government, as it sets to propose a broad-brush visionary plan for the out in Waterways for Tomorrow, and many other AINA recognises that the projects being proposed > Restoring the strategic enhancement of the waterway network. people, see the waterways as being of great will be expensive. No attempt has been made to The intention was to work quickly, consult widely, potential for a wide variety of leisure uses – cost them. That will be a matter for the promoters but not get tied down or discouraged by detail. some on the water and many beside it – and of each project, given national support in principle If one cannot see the star in the East, there is of great value as heritage sites and for nature for the vision. Some ideas concerning finance are Recommendations little point in mounting the camel. conservation. Navigation authorities need to given in Appendix vi. work closely with the many other authorities as In pursuit of the aims set out in Waterways for All AINA members were invited to join the appropriate in promoting these diverse interests. The list of proposals does not include major Tomorrow and this strategy, AINA recommends working party. It so happened that those who British Waterways, in its report Plan for the Future projects which already have approval and funding that Regional Development Agencies and local volunteered formed a group of manageable 8 2001-2005 , illustrates clearly what can be achieved and which are likely to be completed. AINA planning authorities should work closely with size with sufficiently diverse backgrounds and by cooperating with others. Given such cooperation also recognises that there are many waterway navigation authorities to ensure that: interests. Appendix ii lists the members of the AINA believes that navigation, other leisure uses restoration and development projects nation-wide working party. regeneration and nature conservation can be which are either ongoing or are being seriously • The relevant Regional Development Agencies mutually supportive. considered. Given the practicality of these projects be encouraged to support, in principle and The working party studied the map of the (IWAAC has assessed most of them), and the in practical ways, the strategic enhancements. network and, in the context of their collective The need for these further studies must not divert competence of the promoters, they would each experience, produced a list of enhancements us from the vision. Without a vision one makes be valuable additions to the richness of the • The routes for the strategic enhancements in four categories. This list was deliberately little progress. Turning a vision into reality calls for waterway network. The omission of such projects be protected through their incorporation inclusive rather than exclusive. The working party courage as well as detailed work. The network from this list does not imply lack of support of into County Structure Plans and District recognised that it was a first cockshy which we have inherited would never have been built if which they are all worthy. Local Plans, and in Development Control probably contained mistakes and omissions, those early pioneers had not been prepared to Policies, at the earliest opportunity. but put it out for wider consultation in order to take risks in pursuit of their vision. In this vision AINA has focused on the inland stimulate a national debate. Appendix iii lists the navigation network of Great Britain. It so happens • The promoters of the schemes be encouraged organisations consulted. Although the proposed projects may be difficult that all the proposals are within but the and supported to take proposals to the to carry through, AINA maintains they are not concept of extending the network into was next stage, including environmental impact The working party was not disappointed. The large in relation to the scale of the network, and considered via an extension to navigation on the assessments and cost benefit analyses. consultation exercise generated a vigorous and the potential benefits. AINA hopes that all the River Severn. AINA also believes it is most unlikely generally constructive response from a wide other organisations concerned (providers, authorities, that Scotland will ever be connected to the main audience. Appendix iv lists the respondents. facilitators and users) will share this vision, recognise network, other than by coastal passages. AINA After studying the responses, the working party its potential for the network and not allow concerns recognises that certain enhancements to the Irish modified its own terms of reference and felt it about detail or potential problems to divert them network of waterways may also bring significant appropriate to propose a somewhat shorter list from seeing the benefits, and support the proposals. benefits. However, the waterways of Ireland are of strategic enhancements to the national network. Given the will, this strategic vision could be the already the subject of other studies. context in which national and local plans can evolve.

AINA encourages innovation in implementing these proposals.

10 11 Map A: Grand Union Canal Trunk Network Enhancements – Broad Cross-country Links Projects 1, 4 and 6

South-east / North-east Link (Thames-Humber)

Project 1 Enhancement to broad standard of the southern section of the Grand Union Canal Leicester Arm, from Norton Junction to Foxton, currently a narrow canal. (Map A)

This short enhancement will allow passage of broad beam craft from the Thames to the Trent and on to the Humber, the Yorkshire Ouse, and to much of the north-east.

The Grand Union Leicester Arm is built to a narrow > Thorne Lock, Stainforth & Keadby Canal beam standard. Consequently, there is no through route for broad beam craft from London through to the East Midlands and to Yorkshire. By widening the Leicester arm between Foxton and Norton Project 2 Junction, wide beam craft would be able to gain The lengthening of the Thorne Lock to access from the south east to Leicester and the north. full length standard. (Map D)

The length of canal is approximately 23 miles and Thorne Lock, which is on the Stainforth & Keadby 7 locks would have to be duplicated at the Watford Canal, provides the safer route into the Yorkshire flight. It is thought preferable to build new broad commercial waterways from the south by allowing locks alongside the existing narrow locks, as craft to enter from the River Trent at Keadby Lock. on the rest of the Grand Union Canal, so as to preserve the built heritage. The Foxton flight Thorne Lock, whilst wide beam, is relatively short would be bypassed by the reconstruction of the and the maximum length of craft that can use Foxton inclined plane to broad beam standard. it is 61ft 8 inches. Craft longer than this have to traverse the lower tidal reaches of the River Trent, The channel, from Norton Junction to Foxton turn west at Trent Falls, navigate the Humber and would be particularly tight for broad beam craft Ouse estuaries and enter the Yorkshire waterways and several of the bends would be virtually through Goole Docks. 1 impassable. Some straightening and widening works would be required. Also, movement By lengthening the lock, full length narrow and through the in each direction would need wide beam craft would gain access via Keadby to be controlled to allow safe passage of wide into the Yorkshire waterways and reach places as beam craft. far afield as Rotherham, Wakefield, Leeds and York.

4 6

12 13 Map B: the Cotswold Canals Project 3

South-east / South-west Link Blunder and Newtown locks are fully restored (Thames-Severn) and in water. Cerney lock is fully restored, but not always in water. Project 3 Phase 1 in cooperation with the Waterways The full restoration of the Cotswold Canals. Trust and British Waterways is to restore the (Map B) western end to Stroud and the Eastern end to the Cotswold Water Park. This will allow craft to go from the Thames to the Severn other than via the Kennet and Avon Passage under the M5 could be by river Frome. Canal, thereby avoiding the tidal Severn estuary between Avonmouth and Sharpness. New locks The Sapperton Tunnel and the A38 remain should be to broad standard, but restored locks major obstacles. may not be. Not all broad craft will be able to make this passage, but many craft wider than a The Latton bypass has a navigable culvert narrow boat will. built under it. The Cotswold Canals (comprising the and the ) > Restoration work on the Cotswold Canals pass through the beautiful Cotswold hills in an > Wildlife on the Cotswold Canals Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, in the Stroud Valley, go through the longest Conservation Area in Britain. Full restoration will help the regeneration of the Stroud Valley, the The restoration of the canals, as well as providing re-development of “brownfield” sites, bring more a strategic through navigation, will also offer a boat usage of the Upper Thames and, provide a cross-country route for walkers, linking into six much needed link to the Cotswold Water Park. In cross-country long distance paths which cross addition, it will increase the use of the Gloucester the route of the canals. Therefore, as well as and Sharpness Canal. The canals present a further increasing the employment opportunities of the opportunity (the Stroudwater and Gloucester and area, the restoration of the two canals will provide Sharpness Canals currently supply some 40 per opportunities for the growth of the leisure industry. cent of water for Bristol’s domestic and industrial needs) to exploit the potential of the system for water transfer from region to region.

14 15 Map C: the Avon Navigation Extension Project 4

South-west / South-east / North- east Link (Severn-Thames-Humber)

Project 4 The extension of navigation on the Warwickshire Avon from Stratford to a junction with the Grand Union Canal at Warwick (or by continuing on the River Leam, to just beyond Leamington Spa), to broad standard: and the removal of a shallow restriction at Marcliff on the present navigation. (Maps A and C)

This short extension of 16 miles and 10 new locks along an existing river will allow broad beam craft to go from the Severn to the Thames. It will also create a more direct route for narrow craft, avoiding the 35 narrow locks up the South Stratford canal from Stratford, only to descend > Warwick Castle on The River Avon 23 locks on the Grand Union Canal to Warwick. TO This direct route will save water, wear and tear, BIRMINGHAM fuel and time. The navigation authority in cooperation with the local authorities will have This extension would not be difficult to build to establish the public right of navigation along in engineering terms. Little dredging would be this extension. Given also the enhancement set needed and the locks would be constructed out in Project 1, broad craft will be able to go alongside existing weirs. There is ample water from the Severn to the Trent and further north. supply. The river as far as Warwick is mainly wide. The only shallow and narrow reach, at Sherbourne, would be by-passed by a new canal alongside the proposed Barford bypass.

The new navigation could join the Grand Union Canal at the Warwick aqueduct – or if local people wish the Leamington parks to be included in the navigation, via the River Leam, at Radford TO Semele, to the east of Leamington Spa – as LONDON shown on the map.

A feasibility study has been produced by the Upper Avon Navigation Trust. There would be problems to overcome in respect of land ownership, riparian owners, and the river passes > The Upper Avon at Bidford through sensitive areas.

16 17 Map D: Thorne lock and the Calder and Hebble Navigation Projects 2 and 5

Network Link to the North-west By re-gating the locks between Mirfield and Wakefield which are already equipped with quoins, (Thames, Severn and Humber cills and gate recesses, then a broad, full length to Mersey) waterway would be created between Yorkshire and upon the re-opening of the Rochdale Canal. Project 5 The lengthening of the locks on the Calder The enhancement of the Rufford Branch of the and Hebble Navigation to 72ft will create a Leeds and Liverpool Canal would facilitate passage broad standard cross Pennine route between to the and, via the Ribble Link (under the Trent and the north-eastern part of the construction), to the and to network, via the now-to-be-restored Rochdale Bay via . The alternative Canal, to the mainly broad north-western cross Pennine routes are the Leeds and Liverpool part of the network and the Mersey. (Map D) Canal (broad, but limited to 62ft in length) and the narrow, but full length, Huddersfield Canal. Some of the Calder & Hebble navigational locks have been constructed to accept full length A more direct broad route from the south-east boats. By lengthening the locks between Mirfield and south-west to the is not realistic and Sowerby Bridge (up to Tuel Lane lock) it as the navigations through the West Midlands are would then be possible for full length craft to narrow and are likely to remain so. access the Rochdale Canal and travel into > Locks on The Calder & Hebble Navigation > Canoeing on the Rochdale Canal Manchester. The locks required to be lengthened would be done so at the downstream end and thus the heritage value of these structures would be protected.

5

2

18 19 Map E: Bedford to Project 8

Network Link to and The Wash

Project 6 Project 7 The enhancement to broad standard of the A new broad link between the link between the Grand Union Canal at at Boston and the River Nene at Peterborough. Gayton Junction and the River Nene at Northampton. (Map A) This would create many alternative broad routes within the Fens network and create new cruising This would allow broad craft from the rest of rings without having to navigate The Wash. the network to access The Wash, The Fens and The actual route would be a matter for the local the River Great Ouse. The 17 locks are narrow, authorities, navigation authorities and local passing through open country, and could be people concerned, and therefore no map is given duplicated with broad locks, as on the Grand for this proposal. A broad link already exists Union Canal, to preserve the heritage of the narrow between the River Nene and the River Great Ouse. locks. It would be relatively straightforward in engineering terms. Project 8 A new broad standard canal linking the River Great Ouse at Bedford to the Grand Union Canal. (Map E)

This new broad waterway will allow broad beam craft to pass between the East Anglian waterways and the canal network of the Midlands for the first time, as well as creating a navigable ring for narrow craft via the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Given also the new link set out in Project 7, further new routes would be created.

As it would be a new build project (as opposed to restoration), there are opportunities to incorporate innovative design techniques and solutions. The main engineering challenges will be to cross the and, possibly, to transcend the nearby Brogborough Hill which is 50 metres high. The route could be some 22 km > Lillford Lock on The River Nene long. In addition, some of the locks on the River Great Ouse between Bedford and St. Ives would need to be enhanced to broad standard. Until that is done, not all craft would be able to navigate the River Great Ouse.

A stage one feasibility study, commissioned by British Waterways and its partners has been completed recently. It includes proposals for nine alternative routes in addition to projected time-scales, costs of construction and outlines the procurement process.

20 21 Map F: Project 9

Network Link to the English Channel

Project 9 The full restoration of the Wey and Arun Canal. (Map F)

This would re-open an inland route from the Thames to the English Channel. Whilst without major reconstruction this will not achieve broad standard, many craft broader than narrow standard will be able to navigate this link.

The 23 mile canal linked Shalford on the to Pallingham on the . The canal had 26 locks, plus a flood lock, and three aqueducts. Restoration started in 1971 since when seven locks have been completed, although > Educational opportunities for children not all are yet gated, as well as 21 bridges. Already 1.5 miles of the canal that is in water is now fully operational. The restoration has been effected to the original dimensions, but a recent North of Loxwood and south of Newbridge some decision calls for all locks which have to be restoration work has been done, but multiple completely rebuilt in the future to be restored to ownership of the line of the canal is an issue. a length of 72ft and a width of 14ft. Restoration of all of the original canal will not be possible principally because a housing estate has The immediate plans of the Wey and Arun Canal been built over part of its course at Bramley while Trust centre on extending the restored section a revised course for the River Arun around between Loxwood and Newbridge, thus Lordings Aqueduct was created during the last increasing the one and a half miles to six miles century. Therefore, alternative routes will be – over 25 per cent of the whole canal. required here, and possibly elsewhere.

22 23 Other Strategic Links

Project 10 The Slough Arm extension of the Grand Union Canal

A new short canal to broad standard connecting the Slough Arm to the River Thames. This would allow craft to navigate from the Grand Union Canal to the Thames avoiding the tidal river below Teddington Lock. Project 11 > The tranquillity of the waterways > The The Muskham Bypass (River Trent at Newark)

A new short navigation, along the river, to Standards for Broad Waterways allow large commercial craft to bypass Newark, thereby allowing them passage from Nottingham Length: 22m (72ft 2in) to the sea and to the continental inland Width: 4.3m (14ft 3in) navigation network. Depth: 1.4m (4ft 7in) Air draught: 2.4m (7ft 10in) The River Trent was designed as a commercial waterway to link the Humber Ports to Nottingham. AINA recognises that these full standards may not However, the navigation through Newark-on-Trent be achievable initially on all the proposals, but are was not improved to the current commercial targets to work towards. Nevertheless, on these waterway standards on the Yorkshire waterways trunk routes it will be possible to accept many (61 metres length and 6.1 metres beam, carrying craft considerably wider than the narrow standard. some 700 tonnes) and therefore, only carrying up to 250 tonnes can navigate upstream of Newark. To provide full access to Nottingham Tunnel Operation the Newark Dyke could be reopened as a navigation and a new lock, capable of handling this size, Most of the tunnels within the network are could be constructed adjacent to Averham designed for two-way working of narrow boats. Weir. Issues that need to be considered are the To accept broader craft, flow control through headrooms under the two main railway lines, tunnels would be necessary. There may also be the available depth of channel, and future safety arguments for the introduction of flow discharges at the Staythorpe Power Station. control of narrow craft through tunnels.

Each of these projects alone would add significantly to the > The Falkirk Wheel: a 21st Century innovation network. But the whole is far greater then the sum of the to link the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals, thus linking Glasgow and Edinburgh parts in that each project strengthens the case for the others. by water again. Taken together they would be a considerable enhancement of the waterway network for the 21st century.

24 25 Appendices Appendices

Appendix i Appendix ii

Projects assessed by IWAAC as being Members of the Working Party of national significance Geoffrey Holroyde (Chairman) Upper Avon Navigation Trust Ltd Key assets Key benefits David Ashley Company of Proprietors of the Michael Handford Stroudwater Navigation Strategic High built High link and/or Regeneration Philip Burgess (Secretary; from September 2000) AINA heritage wildlife extension Cornel Howells (Secretary; to September 2000) British Waterways value value to national Robert Huntsman Driffield Navigation Trust Ltd Nationally significant projects system Urban Rural Peter Hardy Bedford-Grand Union Link • • • Michael Selby-Heard Canal Trust Ltd • • • • Iain Smith Middle Level Commissioners Cotswold Canals (Stroudwater Navigation/ • • • David Stevenson Droitwich Canals Trust Ltd Thames & Severn Canal) Roger Valentine Environment Agency (with Rother Link) • • • • Ian White British Waterways Canal – Northern Section • • IWAAC Advisor to the Working Party Droitwich Canals • • • • • Audrey Smith OBE Foxton Inclined Plane • • Grand Union Canal – Slough Arm Link • ( section) • • Appendix iii Appendix iv Lancaster Canal Northern Reaches • • • • (with Ribble Link) Organisations consulted (in addition to Respondents to the Working Party’s Lichfield and Hatherton Canals (jointly) • • all AINA members) Consultation (England and Wales) • • • • • Anglers Conservation Association • Amber Valley Borough Council • • • • Association of Pleasure Craft Operators • Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Higher Avon (Upper Avon Extension) • • • Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs • British Canoe Union & Newport Canal • • • • • British Canoe Union • British Hire Cruisers Federation • British Marine Industries Federation • Chelmsford Borough Council • South Forty Foot (or Black Sluice) Drain • • Canal and Boat Builders Association • Community Boats Association Stour Navigation • • • Community Boats Association • Vale of Neath & Swansea Valley Canals – Neath, • • • Commercial Boat Operators’ Association • County Council Tennant and Swansea Canals (collectively) • Country Landowners’ Association • Department of Environment, Transport Wey & Arun Canal • • • Cycling Touring Club and the Regions • Dutch Barge Association • Driffield Navigation Ltd. Wilts & Berks Canal and North Wilts Canal • • • • Department of Environment, Transport • Dutch Barge Association Delph & Underground Canals • • and the Regions • Fens Tourism • Historic Narrow Boat Owners’ Club • Herefordshire & Canal Trust • Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council • High Peak Borough Council • Inland Waterways Association • Inland Waterways Association • Local Government Association • Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (who forwarded on to relevant local authorities) • Lake District National Park Authority • National Association of Boat Owners • Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Interim Committee • National Association of Fishing and • Middle Level Commissioners • Angling Consultatives • Milton Keynes Council • National Federation of Anglers • National Association of Boat Owners • Residential Boat Owners’ Association • Northern Canals Association • Royal Yachting Association • North West Leicestershire District Council • Yacht Harbour Association • Borough Council • Rochdale Canal Trust • Shrewsbury & Borough Council • Trust • & Wrekin Borough Council • Upper Avon Navigation Trust

26 27 Appendices

Appendix (v)

Broad Navigations

Much of the waterway network is narrow (limited • Broader boats are, for a given floor area:- to seven feet beam), inherited from the past, and cheaper to build will remain as such. It has historic and artistic shorter, thus easier to handle merit, and has given rise to a much-loved fleet of narrow boats. It is a boating culture of great shorter, thus needing less mooring space value. In proposing broader cross-country easier to design internally. navigations, AINA recognises the wealth of the narrow navigations that are currently operational, • Broad locks facilitate twice the number and of those soon or sometime to be restored. of narrow boat movements. AINA values the narrow network and its large fleet of narrow boats – something unique to • A new broad navigation would be little Britain – and wishes to see it preserved. more expensive to build than a new narrow one. However, AINA maintains there are powerful arguments for a network of broader navigations AINA’s long term vision, looking to the future, not to complement the narrow navigations. Narrow constrained by the past, is this broad network. boats are able to navigate broader waterways Many of our proposals can achieve this. Some whereas wider craft are denied access to narrow of these navigations would remain less than the canals. AINA’s vision in this strategy is the creation broad standard, certainly in the short term, but of a cross country network of broader inland would nevertheless be broader than seven feet, navigations linking the “four corners” of England thus accepting a larger variety of craft which are - the estuaries of the Thames, the Humber, the currently denied passage. The perfect must not Severn and the Mersey: and with the Wash and be allowed to prevent the good. AINA believes the English Channel. AINA believes that the relatively that all new navigations and locks should be built small number of strategic enhancements proposed to broad standard. in this document would achieve this whilst benefiting narrow boats and wider craft alike. AINA recognises that the passage of broader boats may require controlled one-way movement The case for broader navigations is:- through tunnels - and some widening of the dredged channel - and removal of tight bends • Despite the attraction of narrow boats, they on enhanced navigations. We maintain this is are less spacious than boats with a broader a price to pay for the likely benefits of a broader beam. Given greater cruising opportunities network for both leisure, and for potential niche along broader navigations, a new market freight markets. for broader boats will follow. As with all proposals for enhancement of • More spacious boats could well attract transport facilities, economic benefit forecasts more people as owners, hirers, and tourists are partly guesswork. New roads soon carry far from abroad. more vehicles than were predicted. New rail routes and air routes create new markets. AINA • Broad navigations are likely to attract new believes that the existence of a broad cross-country freight business. network will create a new market. The current small proportion of boats broader than seven feet in Britain is probably because their cruising • Many small boats capable of making coastal opportunities are constrained. passages would be able to use much of the proposed network.

28