Canoeing Comeback Sparks AM Action

12.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Oct 2006

Canoeing Comeback Sparks AM Action

Eleanor Burnham today welcomed the news that international canoeing has made a comeback to the River Dee in North Wales, and took the opportunity to lobby Environment Minister Carwyn Jones for better access rights to water in Wales.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales and Sports Spokesperson spoke up on the lack of water access for paddlesports throughout Wales. Her letter to the Minister followed a meeting with the Welsh Canoeing Association which revealed that while Wales offers the best range of waterways in the UK, poor access rights mean Welsh tourism and sport are losing out.

Ms Burnham said: "It's a terrible shame that anglers, landowners and paddlesport enthusiasts can't agree on access rights, when water is one of this country's most fantastic natural resources.

"We are losing out on a great opportunity here in Wales. I was thrilled to see Llangollen regain international canoeing competition, but we need to work on gaining freer access to rivers and lakes across Wales to ensure we make the most of our waterways.

"In Scotland, where the Welsh Liberal democrats are in Government, they have open access to their water for all groups who wish to use it, but it's Wales that can offer the most diverse range of water in the UK. This would be an excellent opportunity for tourism and business in Wales, so surely, we should be making the most of what we've got."

Notes

More information on access rights and waterways in Wales and Scotland available from the Welsh Canoeing Association website:

http://www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk

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