More investment to boost canal networks in Warwickshire

More investment should be on the way to canal networks in Warwickshire.

A joint motion by the Green Party and the Conservatives to improve the waterways was put forward and agreed at a Warwickshire County Council meeting on Tuesday (September 22).

The council will now work with Canal and River Trust to drawing up a prioritised and costed list of improvements to towpaths and signage.

Green councillor Jonathan Chilvers proposed the motion and Cllr Heather Timms led on the Conservative side.

Cllr Chilvers said: “Canals are a wonderful part of Warwickshire and are good for sense of place, tourism, getting from A-B and wildlife in towns.

"In the past we’ve missed out on funding to improve things like muddy towpaths, because we didn’t have a plan ready when opportunities came up. That should now change.”

The role of canals in the City of Culture was also raised.

Cllr Chilvers added: “The council has allocated money to support the City of Culture and should allocate some of that funding to waterways.

"Canals are one of the things that link Coventry and all parts of Warwickshire.

"Wouldn’t it be amazing post-Covid to have a touring county-wide canal festival featuring the best of our arts and show casing our history.”