Access

[Andy B]

Well, a whole year has passed since Kit's last post in this section, and what is there to report on improvements in Access on English rivers? Absolutely nothing.
Meanwhile our Welsh brethren (Canoe Wales) have seen the light, and have issued a statement to the effect that they will no longer recognise voluntary negotiated agreements, and they encourage people to enjoy the countryside responsibly (as the situation in Scotland has demonstrated that is perfectly possible to do). In addition, CW have successfully lobbied the Welsh Assembly, who are going to run an inquiry with a remit to:
-Look at a Welsh example of public access to and/or along inland water, to clarify the key issues;
-Examine the effectiveness of the Scottish statutory approach to securing access rights and responsibilities for the public for non-mechanically propelled recreation to and/or along inland water;
-Make recommendations based on these two evaluations, aiming to agree a final Committee report by 31 March 2009.

Well done to them.

Meanwhile, just get out there and enjoy the natural heritage of our inland waterways - being polite and courteous to everyone we meet along the banks.

Andy