INTRODUCTION BY HAL BAGOT.
CHAIRMAN, NRRG
| Since the last newsletter, there has
been a further public meeting about the restoration proposals for the
Northern Reaches, this time at Lancaster Town Hall. It was extremely
well attended and showed the people of Lancaster that the restoration
proposals will benefit them as much as it will the people at the
northern end of the scheme.
 The
impact study has now been presented to North West Development Agency, as
a potential major funder. The project has also been discussed with,
among others, the Highways Agency in respect of the M6 crossings, Rural
Regeneration Cumbria and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The project has been given a serious
boost by the announcement from South Lakeland District Council that
Councils have voted £250,000 to help the project this year, with a
further £250,000 next year. This is solid commitment from the major
Local Authority affected by the route of the restoration scheme and is
likely to encourage other Local Authorities involved. It will also show
North West Development Agency that the people of South Lakeland consider
this project highly significant, worthwhile and one which will help
farming and tourism following recent events. The Group is extremely
grateful to Councillor Shine and other Councillors who continue to be so
supportive. |
|
Last chance
to Walk on Water!
Sponsored walk along the Northern
Reaches
On 7th September our 'Walk on Water' will be raising funds for the
Northern Reaches. The walk is about 8 miles long, and is a circular
route starting and finishing at Crooklands.
The Lancaster Canal Trust tripboat 'Waterwitch' is operating at
the same time. Funds raised will support not only the restoration
project, but also Burdens Charitable Foundation in its project to build
a school for the blind in Africa, and, closer to home, the restoration
of the Lady Fiona wide beam barge. This vessel is over 100 years
old and has been on the Lancaster Canal all her life. We now want to
restore her to 1900 working condition and use her as a floating
classroom to educate local children about their canal heritage.
For further details about the walk, ring 0151 373 4387 or call in
at the Lancaster Waterway office. |
|
|
|
Free Public
Talk 23rd September
Our next public talk will be held at Kendal Town Hall on 23rd September
for a 7:30pm start. Speakers will include Rosslyn Colderley, Fundraising
Manager and Tania Snelgrove, Project Manager.
The talk will give an update on the progress of the restoration to date,
and all are welcome. |
|
South
Lakeland Cash Donation
South Lakeland District Council, one of nine partners comprising the
Northern Reaches Restoration Group, has pledged £250,000 to the scheme,
with matched funding next year.
South Lakeland Councillor and Recreation Portfolio holder Andy Shine
says the grant recognises the importance of the waterway to the local
economy - and he said additional funding is on the cards. "South
Lakeland is committed to this venture because we recognise the benefits
a vibrant waterway can bring to a region in leisure, environment and
rural business. Opening up the waterway to leisure traffic affords a
massive opportunity to develop our tourism industry and generate extra
revenue for our traders and hoteliers"
This money will support the important groundwork of planning and
conservation audits which are progressing at a speedy pace. |
|
homepage
