West Midlands Waterways: Wyre Forest District Council

1. West Midlands Waterways: Wyre Forest District Council Community & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee briefing 1 August 2007

2. Briefing content • overview of West Midlands priorities for 2007/2008 financial year • recent press coverage on review of British Waterways • EFRA select committee report (published on 31 July) • issues arising from recent weather conditions • Key issues/sites in Wyre Forest

3. The vision Our ambition is that by 2012 we will have created an expanded, vibrant, largely self-sufficient waterway network used by twice as many people as in 2002. It will be regarded as one of the nation’s most important and valued national assets. Visitors will be delighted with the quality of the experience and as a consequence many will become active participants

4. 2007 Business Plan – moving forward • Safety – keeping up improvements • Staff motivation and communications – action teams and working with BJF • Financial planning and achieving targets – better phasing of spend; delivery functional team working; new ways of working • Heritage and environment – delivering quality • Strengthening the waterway performance

5. Recent media coverage The facts -

6. Government has asked BW to investigate whether our current financial structure is best for the long-term security and success of BW’s inland waterways, or - whether alternative options might be better To do this we are seeking expert advice to carry weight in any subsequent discussions Their brief includes the need to consider the full range of possible options for British Waterways.

7. We appointing the specialist advisors during this summer Their report will be completed around the end of 2007 If the review recommends any changes to BW’s current structure, it will be for the BW board and Government to consider whether any such changes are desirable and feasible. In doing this there will be consultation.

8. EFRA Select Committee report: • acknowledges the commitment of Government, BW and partners in the improvement of the waterways. Over the past ten years there has been: • over £520million invested by Government; • more than 200 miles of canals restored; • £200m backlog of arrears eliminated; • BW participation in approximately £7billion worth of waterside regeneration.

9. EFRA Select Committee report: However, there are also points where will need to think about how BW responds. For example, the committee has said that it was "extremely concerned" at the implications of anticipated lower grants between 2008 and 2011 for our ability to maintain the waterways network to an acceptable standard.

10. The results of the recent weather conditions (in/near Wyre Forest): • at Kinver as Stour rose by around 6m (19 feet) eroding the towpath/embankment • erosion/damage through locks at Kidderminster (Falling Sands) • overtopping of canal basin narrowly avoided at Stourport

11. Key issues/sites in Wyre Forest: • HLF project, Stourport • Lichfield Street basin, Stourport • Bridge Street, Stourport • Kidderminster?

12. Any Questions?

13. West Midlands Waterways: Wyre Forest District Council Community & Regeneration Scrutiny Committee briefing 1 August 2007