Flotilla of boats sail through Gainsborough
Around 120 organisations have joined
A flotilla of boats sailed through Gainsborough this morning (1 April), with owners calling on the government to stop the decline of the countries canals and rivers.
The journey begins with a flotilla of boats setting off from Keadby (River Trent) as the start of the major campaign.
It then heads to the heart of government, culminating outside the Palace of Westminster on 7th May.
Around 120 organisations have joined to form 'Fund Britain's Waterways' (FBW).
The FBW campaign was launched in 2023 to highlight the severe underfunding and deteriorating condition of the country’s network of canals and navigable rivers.
Hazel Owen, who will lead the flotilla, said: “The need for greater investment in our waterways has never been clearer.
"This flotilla is not just about boats; it represents the voices of everyone who cares about the future of our canals and rivers. We must show Parliament that we are serious about safeguarding these precious resources.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has previously said trusts will receive grants to support their maintenance and development.
Under the previous Conservative government, it was agreed that The Canal and River Trust would be given £400m from 2027 for maintenance over the next decade.