Is this the time to invest in canals? (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Is this the time to invest in canals?

10:22am Wednesday 14th July 2010

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WITH reference to the article written by Charlotte Shepherd (Standard, July 8) about the restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation and Thames and Severn Canal funding I would like to comment.

1. Is this the time to invest in such a project when our country is in a cost cutting financial turmoil? If the money required is available to undertake such a project should it not be directed to priority requirements such as better schools, hospitals etc?

2. I understand there were problems historically with water retention in the canal from Sapperton to Siddington. Is water not the most valuable commodity on this earth and should we not conserve it for production of food as demands will increase due to the expanding world population?

3. The canal, as it is today, is a wildlife corridor and harbours many species of birds, wild animals, wild flowers and bugs, etc. some of which may be very rare. It is a perfect habitat for the above and has naturalised with the odd pocket of water along its length - so should not be disturbed.

4. By all means restore the Sapperton and Coates Tunnel as it is truly an historical monument, but at what cost? And where will the money come from, could it ever be used under the present ridiculous health and safety regulations, and what would insurance cost? – these factors should be considered before spending good money.

KEITH BOWLEY Church Farm Ashton keynes

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