Welsh Lib Dems the only party whose ideas are flowing - Burnham

9.57.38am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 2nd Apr 2007

Eleanor with Mayor Eifion Roberts and Sandy Buttle MBE at a special presentation at the Wales Canoeing Association headquarters in Bala last Saturday (Photo courtesy of Vicky Barlow)

Eleanor Burnham AM has declared her party as the only one making a firm commitment to improve water access rights for people across Wales.

Following the launch of the Welsh Conservative and Plaid Cymru manifestos, the Welsh Canoeing Association has expressed its concern that neither party have committed to opening up water access in Wales, as has been done in Scotland under the Liberal Democrats. There statutory access rights are in place for members of the public.

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Sport and North Wales Assembly Member, said: "I am very proud to say that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to changing current legislation in order that Wales most diverse and valuable natural resource can be enjoyed responsibly by everyone.

"After in-depth discussion with paddlesport groups, including the WCA, and key tourism representatives, we seek to alter the exemptions listed in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, so it amends and increases what people are allowed to do in or on rivers and lakes.

The current situation restricts access for many people throughout Wales, particularly paddlesport enthusiasts, and means we are missing out on a vast amount of tourism potential, as Wales has the best range and quality of waterways within the smallest area in the UK.

"We want to make the most of this fantastic resource and will examine the need for statutory rights of access for everyone as is the case in Scotland.

"We have clearly gone much further than any other party in committing to achieving this aim.

"Until the access rights to Welsh waterways change, the potential for our most diverse and precious natural resource will continue to go untapped."

Notes/nodiadau:

The WCA have commented that neither the Welsh Conservatives nor Plaid Cymru have committed to improving access rights for Welsh coastal and inland waterways.

You can read the full information online at:

http://access2water.wordpress.com/2007/03/30/plaid-cymru-and-welsh-conservative-manifesto-release

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to altering the exemptions in current legislation to free up access to Welsh water and examining statutory user rights for Wales.

Ends/diwedd

Printed, Published and Promoted by Stephen Smith on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, all at 102 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5AD

Argraffwyd, Cyhoeddwyd ac Hyrwyddwyd gan Stephen Smith ar rhan Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru, 102 Stryd Bute, Caerdydd, CF10 5AD