Project update November 2010

We met with BW representatives some while ago. BW had drawn up a list of tasks which included details of the locks that are listed, and demonstrating that the proposed work is outside BW’s core responsibility and therefore eligible for HLF funding. There were also things for us to action in terms of looking at the details of the work to be done along the line.  Other significant actions for us are to carry out a new survey of community consultation.  We are now advised to do as much as we can before approaching HLF for funding, e.g. litter picks, engaging with local groups/people, more direct community consultations, and publicity in local libraries, etc.  HLF are reportedly very positive about the project.  We are now jointly working on our list of tasks to be done to compare it with BW’s internal list to see where there is overlap and identify things that can be done by volunteers.  We will approach the Waterway Action Squad, based in Chester, to see how we can learn from their experience in engaging with groups of young people.

With the dual uncertainties of the future of British Waterways and the Comprehensive Spending Review, little progress was made in the last two months. We are in the process of BWs volunteer co-ordinator for the Manchester & Pennine Waterway. As the so-called Big/Civil Society emerges, we are well placed to take advantage locally. The changing status of British Waterways may make access to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding more possible. We are not far from completing a bid for improving the Cheshire Locks and look forward to involving the local communities and all the people who said they would be interested in getting involved.  Emails have been sent to all those who are registered on our spreadsheet. If you have not received the email, get in touch with us via our contact page.