This has come form several directions, but in case you haven't seen it.



David de Haan




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Subject: [news] URGENT- Inland Waterways Association News Flash



URGENT-  Inland Waterways Association News Flash



BRITISH WATERWAYS PROPERTY PORTFOLIO





Caen Hill , Kennet and Avon Canal -Today
Caen Hill , Kennet and Avon Canal - Previously



Don't let this kind of dereliction happen again - This is what will happen if we
do nothing!



You may know about the media speculation that the Government intends to include
the British Waterways' property portfolio as a component of the £16bn asset
sale.



The Government has made no announcements and is steadfastly refusing to be drawn
on the subject.



We have been using this period of silence as a window of opportunity to lobby
Ministers.  We have orchestrated a political lobby in both the Commons and
latterly the Lords to pressurise Government, and have briefed radio and national
TV, using an array of reasons to support the argument that a sale would be in
no-one's interest.



We stand the best chance of preventing this sale if the Government can be
persuaded not to do so, during this period of Ministerial silence. Whilst no
announcements have been made, it is easier for Government to back away as it
involves no public reversal of policy.



However, an e-petition has appeared on the 10 Downing Street website;



http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/protectourcanals/



IWA supports the statements in the petition. The worst outcome now that this is
in the public domain, would be if this petition receives scant support. That
might give Ministers the impression that there are few waterways supporters who
care very much about the issue. On the other hand, if it is well supported, the
Government, this close to an election, is very sensitive to actions it might
take which may lose votes, and would probably take notice.



I am therefore urging you to sign up to this petition - if you agree with it,
and ask that you encourage everyone that you know, to also sign up.



We need more signatures than our membership, or even the total number of boaters
in the UK - So please ask all of your colleagues, friends and family and
e-mailable contacts to help us today! - and ask them to pass this message on as
well - we need all of the UK to know about this and to respond on line .



The future of the waterways could depend on your actions today - Please act, and
pass this message on.



Thank you



Clive Henderson

IWA national chairman

nationalchairman@...







Jo Gilbertson

The Inland Waterways Association
Non-profit Distributing Company Limited by Guarantee No 612245
Registered Charity No 212342

Registered Office: Island House Moor Road CHESHAM HP5 1WA
Tel: 01494 783 453 Ext 611
E-mail: jo.gilbertson@...
website: www.waterways.org.uk
P sustainable thinking...please don't print this e-mail unless you really need
to






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May I suggest a link to waterways.co.uk in return for a link to  your group
?

John Lawes


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