Q1. Do you agree that the range of benefits of inland waterways identified above and expanded upon in the following chapters are correct? Are there any benefits that we have missed or overstated?

 

Q2. Do you consider that waterways are in a better condition now than they were 10 years ago? What have been the main achievements over this time and what could have been done better?

 

Q3. Do you agree that it is important for regional development bodies and local authorities to work closely with those responsible for managing the Inland Waterways to ensure that the potential benefits in respect of place making and shaping are maximised?

 

Q4. What more can navigation authorities do to encourage local authorities to consider using waterways to improve the quality of life of their local communities?

 

Q5. What do you think the barriers are to local authorities taking more interest in waterways in respect of place making?

 

Q6. Do you agree that inland waterways offer an opportunity to help the UK mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change? Are there any areas you consider that should be explored further in this context, including how the waterways themselves will need to adapt?

 

Q7. Do you agree that the unique cultural heritage associated with inland waterways provide a key benefit to those who use and visit waterways? How can these resources be used to further enhance and encourage use of the waterways?

 

Q8. Do you consider the protection of the natural and built heritage to be one of the waterway authorities’ primary tasks?

 

Q9. What area of waterway heritage do you consider most under threat?

 

Q10. Do you agree that inland waterways, including their paths and surrounding environments provide an important resource for outdoor recreation, sport and improving public well being? What more can be done to protect and improve these important resources?

 

Q11. What needs to be done to make waterside paths more accessible and better appreciated by local communities?

 

Q12. Do you agree that waterside paths offer considerable potential for increasing green commuting, both for pedestrian and cyclists? What more can be done to encourage this further?

 

Q13. What can be done to reverse the decline in freight on the inland waterways in recent years? Which elements of the commercial waterways have the greatest potential for freight use? How should the planning process ensure the protection of freight interests in those areas with greatest freight potential?

 

Q14. How can we best encourage a common purpose between different users of the waterways? What can be done to better manage potential conflicts?

 

Q15. What do you believe should be done to maintain and increase the number of boat registrations on our inland waterways?

 

Q16. How can the waterways increase their share of the holiday market?

 

Q17. Do you agree that there is scope for increasing waterway related volunteering activity? How can this be achieved?

 

Q18. How can schools and colleges be encouraged to make greater use of the waterways for educational purposes?

 

Q19. What can be done to help NCBA to increase the use of waterways to improve social inclusion?

 

Q20. What can be done to overcome barriers to achieving greater diversity among boaters and anglers using the waterways?

 

Q21. In view of the pressure on public finances, how can waterway authorities make the most of their resources over the next few years? Would mutual or third Sector status for British Waterways be beneficial in this respect?

 

Q22. What scope is there for enhanced partnership working to improve the resources available to protect and enhance the benefits delivered by inland waterways?

 

Q23. What activity should be undertaken to monitor the benefits delivered by the inland waterways over the coming years?

 

 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterways/index.htm