WATERWAYS VITAL TO KIRKLEES

5.10.00pm GMT Wed 7th Mar 2007

WATERWAYS VITAL TO KIRKLEES

Liberal Democrats in Kirklees have given a strong welcome to proposals passed at the party's recent conference which would halt the Government's programme of cuts in the canal maintenance budget.

With the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Huddersfield Broad Canal and the Calder and Hebble Canal running through Kirklees, government cuts to the grant for British Waterways could mean future improvements are in doubt.

Cllr Ann Denham voted in support of a motion at the conference calling for British Waterways cuts to be ended and for the Government to ensure a strong future for the waterways.

"Here in Kirklees, tourism is vital for jobs and prosperity" said Cllr Denham. "The Government's decision to slash the grant to British Waterways could put growth of tourism here in danger.

"These waterways are vital bringing tourists here to use local pubs, restaurants and other businesses".

"The government cuts are short sighted and could end up costing us more in the long term with fewer people in work and local businesses making less profit.

The motion on the waterways was debated on Saturday 3rd March.