FUNDING OF NORTHERN WATERWAYS

That this House welcomes the major improvements that have taken place in recent years across northern canals and rivers ranging from major inner city regeneration, such as in Manchester, through to the re-opening of historic previously abandoned canals, such as the Rochdale and Huddersfield; notes these waterways need constant care from lock-keepers in order for 200-year old structures to continue working; further notes that improvements may be in jeopardy due to the cuts imposed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on British Waterways and the Environment Agency resulting in real doubts as to the future health of the network; and calls on DEFRA to reverse both these budget cuts this year to ensure the network is funded so that the millions of visitors to northern waterways can continue to enjoy these national treasures.