Punters urged to 'float their boat'
Environment Agency
A new plan to get more people using rivers for fun and relaxation have
been unveiled by the Environment Agency.
The plans, which are set out in the Environment Agency’s ‘Your
Rivers For Life’ Strategy, look to encourage more people back onto
the water by bringing the facilities on the river banks in line with the
best in Europe. The strategy targets three projects that could mean millions
of pounds worth of investment in the River Thames, the Fens and the River
Wye over the next ten years.
The Rivers Strategy is a result of an extensive consultation with groups
and individuals representing over 500,000 river users.
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Environment Agency, said: "Our
rivers are now cleaner than they have ever been. Despite the improved
quality of the environment, however, the number of people using rivers
for fun and relaxation has been declining in recent years. For instance
the number of privately owned boats on the Thames decreased by 30 per
cent between 1980 and 2002.
"We would like to see this trend reversed. That is why we have
today launched a plan that could see the biggest sustained investment
in the rivers that we oversee since the 1950s. This will improve access,
increase the number of moorings and build facilities on our river banks
that will get our rivers up there with the best in Europe. Better facilities
brings more people to the river, more people on the river brings more
money to the area."
It is estimated that £400 million worth of investment would be
needed to replace the Agency’s existing assets on the rivers it oversees.
However, the Environment Agency only raises around £11 million a
year from charges as a navigation authority and through government funding.
Barbara Young continued: "When it comes to revitalising our rivers,
the Environment Agency cannot work alone. We need to work with Government,
businesses and local groups to raise both funding and support to make
this happen. We have already started work on this." As part of
its commitment to maintaining a high quality environment while getting
more people on the river, the Environment Agency is sponsoring the 2004
Concept Boat competition, an annual boat design competition which invites
entries from both budding amateur boat designers and professionals alike.
This year’s contest has an environmental focus, inviting entrants
to design a boat that is low on emissions and minimises the effect of
boating on the marine environment.
The competition will be judged by British Marine Federation and the Royal
Institution of Naval Architects and the Environment Agency and is worth
over £10,000 in total prize money.
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