WATERWAYS MAINTENANCE VITAL TO WORCESTERSHIRE - LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

9.53.23pm GMT Wed 28th Feb 2007

Liberal Democrats in West Worcestershire will be heading to the party's spring conference in Harrogate this weekend with the aim of taking part in a debate on improvements to waterways.

With the Severn, Teme and Avon running through the heart of the constituency, government cuts to the grant for British Waterways could mean future improvements are in doubt.

West Worcesterhsire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt is backing a motion at the conference calling for the British Waterways cuts to be ended and for the Government to ensure a strong future for waterways.

Mr Burt, who addressed a British Waterways rally against the cuts last autumn said:

"Here in West Worcestershire, tourism is vital for jobs and prosperity.

"Government's decision to slash the grant to British Waterways could put the growth of tourism in danger.

"All three rivers are pivotal in bringing tourists here to use local pubs, restaurants and other businesses.

"The government cuts are short sighted and could end up costing more in the longer term with fewer people in work and local businesses being less profitable."

The motion on waterways will be debated on Saturday 3rd March.