Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The canal now has Cruiseway status.

After years of campaigning by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the canal has been reclassified as a 'Cruiseway'.

This raises its legal staus and secures its future.

British Waterways (BW) is now legally required to maintain the canal in a suitable condition for cruising craft. Previously, sections of the canal were classed as 'remainder waterways' which meant that BW's duties were limited to protecting those sections in the most economical manner for purposes of public healh and amenities. At worst, parts of the canal could have been eliminated or disposed of!

In practice, BW has been maintaining the canal as a Cruiserway since the 2002 restoration, but the status is now legal.

My thanks the 'The Butty' (The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust magazine) for this information.