Letter to Daily Post - International Paddlesports return to Dee

9.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Oct 2006

Dear Sir,

I very much welcome the news that international paddlesports have returned to the River Dee.

The debate over Access to Water rights is a tricky one, as many groups desire to secure their interests in Wales' water. However, it appears that it is harder for some to gain access to the fantastic waterways across our natural landscape than it for others.

Having been raised close to the upper Dee myself, I was delighted to read about the return of competition canoeing to Llangollen. It is worrying, however, that the article highlighted the tension between anglers and those involved in paddlesports when it comes to using such natural resources. I was very concerned to read that the Welsh Canoeing Association was excluded from the access negotiations.

Why should unlimited access be so problematic for Wales, when in Scotland it is a reality? I have written to the Environment Minister Carwyn Jones on this matter to see whether freer access to waterways for canoeists really "isn't an option". I can hardly believe that when Wales has the best range and quality of canoeing in the UK, potentially an excellent tourist attraction and ideal paddlesport training base. Surely we need to make the most of this fantastic resource.

Eleanor Burnham AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat for North Wales and Sport Spokesperson