Protests at Grand Union-River Avon link plan

CAMPAIGNERS this week attacked a proposed scheme to link the River Avon in Stratford to the Grand Union Canal, claiming supporters have failed to undertake a proper assessment of the impacts on other river users.

Major enhancements to the River Avon in Stratford could allow broad beam boats to travel from the River Severn to the Thames and ultimately to the English Channel, according to a visionary new strategy launched by the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities last week.

The plan would see the extension of navigation on the River Avon from Stratford to join the Grand Union Canal, either at the Warwick aqueduct or, via the River Leam, at Radford Semele. It is one of 11 major waterway projects identified in AINA's Vision for the Strategic Enhancement of Britain's Inland Navigation Network.

The extension of 16 miles and ten new locks along the Avon would also create a more direct route for narrow craft, saving water, fuel, time and wear and tear. The 11 strategic links would provide cross-country routes for broad beam boats making it possible to navigate the country's inland waterway network from the English Channel to the Irish Sea and the North Sea. "It's a bold vision," said Philip Burgess, spokesman for the AINA working party.

"Individual waterway restoration projects are already bringing great improvements to the quality of people's lives across the country. This new strategy looks at the big picture and identifies ways to make those schemes link up and maximise their potential."

But the Campaign for Leam and Avon Rivers (Clear) has called for the supporters of the navigation link to undertake a full Environmental Impact Assessment. Andrew Thompson, chairman of Clear, said it is only when the impacts on the natural and historic features of the rivers, the existing users of the river and the thousands of people who enjoy the rivers as they are can be assessed against the claimed benefits of the scheme that properly informed decisions can be made.

"We are saddened that the AINA have joined the Upper Avon Navigation Trust in seeking to promote this scheme without any assessment of its implications. Sadly they represent a single interest group and have not considered any of the other people that will be affected by their proposals. There are many interests that will be damaged by the proposal; it will no longer be safe for Warwick Boat Club to use the river; the historic landscapes of Warwick Castle, Charlecote Park and Jephson Gardens will be affected; anglers will be disrupted and wildlife habitat will be lost."

reproduced by permission and copyright of Stratford Herald