Positive response to 'third sector'

BW Chief Executive Robin Evans says the initial response and feedback from boaters, towpath visitors and other stakeholders to it becoming a 'third sector' organisation, is positive.

He remarks that much fuller detail is being formulated regarding BW's plans to become a third sector organisation. The expanded proposals will go part way to answering many of the questions posed since the publication of 20-20: A vision for the future of our canals and rivers, commenting:

"Over the next couple of months we will be conducting more research which includes speaking to successful third sector organisations and other experts in the field. In particular we will look at governance, fund raising and marketing in the charitable sector and what a contract with Government might entail.

"The new strategy has been generally well received both inside BW and by boaters and the wider public. However, there is a hunger for more detail about how the change might work. It is important that we keep up the momentum towards providing a sustainable future for the nation's waterways without forgetting the £30 millions gap between what needs to be spent on the waterways and what is currently available."