Aston Uni Canoe Club

Andy · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:03 am Post subject: River Access petition

Please have a look at this link

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RiversAccess/

There is a petition up for access to water. This has been done as there is an EDM coming out and the petitioner decided that although he can try and ask his MP to sign the EDM what is needed was the opportunity for us all to say we support it in our own way through this petition.
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We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce legislation for Public Access to Inland Waters in England and Wales. Access rights would be supported by an Access Code to enshrine rights with personal and environmental responsibilities and as a basis to resolve any interaction issues.

Additional Information..

Access to and along inland waters in England and Wales for non powered craft is severely restricted, more limited than for any other country in the World.

Access would provide millions of people, (canoeists, anglers, walkers, boaters and other interest groups) with opportunities to recreate near home, with added benefits for public health, education, social cohesion and local economies.

Public access to land has been strengthened by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Coastal Access is part of the Marine Bill.

Legislation for Public Access to Inland Waters could be on the principles set by the access to water section of the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 and Scottish Outdoor Code. Inland waters are important habitats for flora and wildlife. Legislation supported by an Access Code would highlight environmental responsibilities for sustainable access to maintain and improve bio-diversity.

Natural England rejects Voluntary Access Agreements (as do we). They are:
• Unable to deliver permanent and secure access
• Unfit to tackle long standing resistance to access
• Access would be piecemeal, not continuous

Please pass this on and encourage as many as possible to sign up

Andy

martynr · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:01 pm Post subject:

I agree with Andy. Everyone should be signing up, there's no excuses. Please think about it guys and girls.

I suggest that the petition is checked prior to the next sesh and any person not on the list consumes.

Cheers
Martyn
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http://exastoncc.blogspot.com

Emma · Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 80

signed.. xxx

J-Ro · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 285 Location: B'ham

I signed that stuff for the first 3 or so years. it makes no difference and until the BCU actually do something there is no point. unfortunatly we have a canoe body which just sticks its head in the sand and is happy cos it means that everyone pays to use HPP, the treweryn, and other courses.

Emma · Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 80

dont b such a pessimist!!!