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Press Release: Canoes – CLA welcomes Government decision on Voluntary Access Attempts by canoeists to gain a statutory right of access to rivers and streams – the so-called 'Right to Row' – has been turned down by the government which is favouring the voluntary approach which the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has championed. The decision follows a successful pilot scheme on the Waveney bordering Norfolk and Suffolk which demonstrated that the voluntary approach can work.
Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs Minister, Barry Gardiner, has written to Labour's Angling Spokesman, Martin Salter MP to re-confirm the government's support for voluntary access agreements to be drawn up between canoeists and other water users.
This follows the government's formal rejection of the British Canoe Union's sponsored Ten Minute Rule Bill promoted by Brighton MP Des Turner. The 'Access to Inland Waterways Bill' failed to receive its Second Reading in the Commons on February 23rd and now has no prospect of proceeding any further.
"The minister has written that in the government's view increased access to water for activities such as canoeing can most effectively be achieved via the voluntary approach," explains Jane Burch eastern region adviser for the CLA. "This involves landowners and water users coming to a formal, written agreement about access to a particular stretch of water which takes into account the needs of all interested parties.
"This is just what we have been arguing for and we are delighted. The Waveney pilot scheme was one of four throughout the country. All showed that the voluntary approach can work.
"The agreements reached will be used as benchmarks for other voluntary arrangements and we will certainly be encouraging our members to participate." "Offering access to the bank will create more opportunities for people to take up canoeing, without compromising the rights of riparian owners and other waterway users such as fishermen. A code of conduct for canoeists has been agreed which, if adhered to, will respect the rights and wishes of the landowner and not compromise fishing or other interests. "Canoe access is not just about allowing canoes to use the water; it is also about providing points to get on and off it. Along the Waveney in Suffolk and Norfolk there are more than a dozen sites - and such sites open up economic opportunities from the provision of car parking and changing facilities to tea rooms and other tourist amenities."
The voluntary approach is also favoured by anglers, whose interests have been represented by Martin Salter MP. |
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