See set out below an important message received from the Inland Waterways Association. This campaign and the petition are backed by the committee of the SBA.

Note: Here is the link to the petition - 

https://www.change.org/p/fund-britain-s-waterways 

Copy this link into your browser or go to the IWA website to find the link there under 'Fund Britain's Waterways'.

"Please sign our petition calling on prime minister Rishi Sunak to guarantee future funding of the entire 5000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers.

Our campaigning coalition Fund Britain’s Waterways aims to deliver hundreds of thousands of signatures to 10 Downing Street this Autumn.

There’s so much at stake. Please add your name and help us by circulating widely to your networks.

More than 8.5 million people (nearly 15% of the population) live on or within 1km of the waterways, and half of us live within 5km. In urban areas, the percentage is often much higher with many urban waterways running through heavily populated areas of deprivation and diversity, often with higher rates of ill-health and unemployment. Add to those figures the additional 10 million people who access the waterways for business, leisure, wellness or commuting, and it’s clear that open, accessible and well-maintained waterways are vital for us all, and for Britain’s economy, ecology and wellbeing.

Let me stress – this isn’t just about boaters, nor is it solely in response to the Canal & River Trust grant settlement. Inland Waterways Association and the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign is for much more.

5,000 miles of navigable waterways across England, Scotland and Wales form a vast national infrastructure network.

Collectively they provide hugely important benefits to people, the environment and local communities, while also contributing significantly to the economy.

Our canals and rivers create jobs and bring financial benefits through tourism and leisure.

They offer opportunities to mitigate flooding, transfer drinking water and provide habitat corridors for wildlife and biodiversity.

They can also contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of the whole population.

These benefits can only be realised if they are well maintained and looked after.

We’re concerned not only about Canal & River Trust’s 2,000 miles but also the stretches managed by the Environment Agency, Broads Authority, Scottish Canals and other navigation authorities.

Most of all, we’re fighting for the millions of people like you who rely on canals and rivers for housing, work, education, commuting, and leisure along with our mental and physical health and social connection.

Please sign our petition and spread the word far and wide.

Thank you."

End