Karen Bradley joined the Inland Waterways Association at its reception for MPs elected to the new Parliament on 15 June. It gave Karen a chance to discuss the network with the IWA. They explained to MPs about the importance of the inland waterways to Britain and highlighted some of the problems which must be overcome if they are to continue to flourish. Soon after the reception on 5th July, the Caldon Canal in Leek was reopened after repairing the breach in its wall from November 2009.
There were MPs from all parties present and Alun Michael MP, who is a former waterways Minister, and the IWA Chairman Clive Henderson explained the value of inland waterways as recreation faciltiies but also their role in regeneration and the potential for some to be used for freight transport.
Karen said:
"The canal network is a really important part of our heritage - and one that is still in use but in different ways from its original role in transporting goods. The canals in the Moorlands are another great way to attract tourism to the area so I'm really pleased to see the Caldon Canal reopen so that people can enjoy it again.
"We all want to maintain this infrastructure across the country and we'll have to find a way to do that while balancing the need to fund it with other demands on public spending."
Karen is pictured at the reception discussing the Moorlands' canals with IWA members.