The RYA was joined yesterday (23 March) by key inland waterways stakeholders including the Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs, the Barge Association, the British Canoe Union, the British Marine Federation and the Inland Waterways Association, amongst others, to review DEFRA’s Inland Waterways strategy document; ‘Waterways for Everyone’.

The DEFRA strategy document sets out its vision for how inland waterways can contribute to a wide range of public policy objectives.  In doing so the strategy outlines to different Government departments how the inland waterways can deliver various public benefits within each of their respective portfolios, with a view to encouraging those departments to give their support to the inland waterways.

Gus Lewis, the RYA’s chief legal officer, said: “The RYA supports the Government’s stated commitment to secure the continued and sustainable revival of the waterways and their contribution to the wealth, health and wellbeing of communities across the country and its aim of widening interest and participation in the traditional water-based activities.

“However, we do believe that the draft strategy could be stronger in a number of areas, particularly in relation to its discussion of planning policy, recreation, sport and tourism, and these issues will form the core of our formal submission to DEFRA.”

The RYA will be responding to the Governments consultation in detail by the end of March.