Wiltshire launch for charity to replace British Waterways
2:00pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in Latest News
A new charity, to replace British Waterways in looking after canals and rivers, has been launched in Devizes.
The Canal and River Trust, which has appointed the Prince of Wales as its patron, has unveiled an appeal to raise £10,000 for 50 projects to breathe new life into towpaths and riverbanks, four of which are along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Oda Dijksterhuis, its environment manager, said: “The Kennet and Avon Canal now belongs to us all and we are hoping that as many people from across Berkshire, Wiltshire and Avon will lend a hand and help keep this waterway special.”
The creation of the trust, which takes over from British Waterways and The Waterways Trust, is the UK’s first major transfer of state infrastructure to the charity sector.
The cost of maintaining and operating waterways will be funded by commercial income and a 15-year Government contract, so all donations will go to conserve, restore and enhance canals and rivers.
Three major supporters signed up are Google, the Co-operative Bank and People’s Postcode Lottery.
