Conservative cuts to Canal and River Trust add to environmental damage

A steep cut in government funding for the Canal and River Trust (CRT) in its new 10 year settlement seems set to lead to the closure of a number of canals, and damage the canal system and the wildlife that depends on them.

With natural habitats already shockingly damaged by the staggering levels of raw sewage being dumped into them after the Conservative Government refused to take action on utility companies, this simply worsens the environmental damage to the nation’s waterways, and puts local beauty spots such as the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals at risk

Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hazel Grove constituency, said: “This will mean almost £300 million in lost funding over 10 years – nearly 50%.

“Marple Aqueduct is a Grade I listed monument and we should be cherishing it. It is heartbreaking to see that it, and other locations like it, will be under threat from this cut in Government funding.”

The Government had already missed two deadlines for agreeing funding for the CRT, and the funding cut has confirmed the charity’s worst fears. Funding will be cut by 5% a year for 10 years, being reduced to just £31.5 million a year after 10 years.

Lisa continued: “As a trustee of the Stockport Canal Boat Trust I know the value of our canals and the connection to our area’s industrial heritage and the natural world.

“The beautiful Marple Locks is one of the steepest flights in Britain. It is now under threat from a Conservative Government engaged in the steepest cuts in funding our waterways have ever seen.”