Mid Worcestershire Liberal Democrats

Press Release 13th March 

CONSERVATIVE ‘SAVINGS’ WOULD SPELL DISASTER FOR DROITWICH CANALS

Tory plans for spending cuts announced in January have been widely criticised as ‘unbelieveable’ and ‘bizarre and muddled’

Margaret Rowley, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid-Worcestershire, was alerted to one of the more bizarre proposals through a press release issued by the independent charity, the Inland Waterways Association (IWA).

Oliver Letwyn MP , Conservative Shadow Chancellor, announced in a BBC interview on 17th January that they planned to make ‘several hundred million pounds’ out of the sale of British Waterways assets. However, the IWA pointed out that these assets include properties which are historic and integral to the waterways, and in other cases provide income used in maintaining the waterways. If stripped of these assets, BW would need a much bigger annual government grant to fund the deficit.

Margaret, who is also Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust, said "If this remains Conservative party policy it would clearly have serious consequences for the restoration and future management of Droitwich Canals should the Conservatives form the next Government. British Waterways is a major player in the restoration plan, and is likely to manage the canals once restored."

Talks between John Fletcher, National Chairman on IWA, and the Conservative Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury are expected to take place this month to clarify the situation.

Peter Luff MP (a vice-president of Droitwich Canals Trust) has been made aware of the IWA press release, but has so far made no comment.