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MP tries to quell troubled waters
A TOP government committee is being urged to find vital reassurances about Droitwich Spa's eagerly anticipated canals restoration project.
Town MP Peter Luff has welcomed an inquiry by the Commons' environment, food and rural affairs committee to look at the work of British Waterways, which is a major partner behind Droitwich's scheme.
The MP gave evidence to the committee warning that funding cuts and reductions in staffing could impact on the management of the multi-million pound project.
Mr Luff's concerns also come after British Waterways recently abandoned its support for the restoration of the Cotswold canals, which would have re-established a link between the River Severn and the Thames.
| "British Waterways is going through some dramatic changes and the Commons committee can win important guarantees for Droitwich.” | | Spa MP Peter Luff |
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Droitwich Canals Restoration Project would see the town's Barge and Junction Canals restored to there former glory.
Project
The £11.5million project, which has been in the pipeline for more than 30 years, has recently received all necessary planning permission.
Mr Luff said: "British Waterways has given assurances about their continuing commitment to the Droitwich restoration project and this is very welcome. However, the organisation is going through some dramatic changes and the Commons committee can win important guarantees for Droitwich."
In his evidence to the committee, Mr Luff - who is vice-president of the Droitwich Canals Trust - wrote: "British Waterways has been the victim of a funding regime which has threatened to undermine the important work it does.
"Despite the financial challenges, British Waterways has, in my constituency, continued to exercise its duties with exemplary efficiency and effectiveness."
Mr Luff said that he felt that British Waterways was still committed to the project, but felt that the instability of the organisation was of major concern for people involved with the project.
The committee is set to produce its report in May.
2:25pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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