New canal for Scotland with British Waterways finance

Published: Wednesday, 20 May 2009

THOUGH there is little chance of any new canals in England in the present financial climate, a new one has been approved for Scotland, with British Waterways financially involved, Alan Tilbury tells us.

 

This is the Lomond Canal, which will follow the route of the Leven through Dumbarton and the Vale, which it is hoped will attract and retain residents, businesses, investors and visitors to the area.

West Dunbartonshire Council approved the strategic outline for the multi-million pound project at a full meeting on Wednesday, with the planned canal allowing boats from the Forth & Clyde to cruise into Loch Lomond.

However the council still needs stakeholders, but the report states that West Dunbartonshire Council and British Waterways (Scotland) plan to fund the project alongside match funding from the Scottish Government.

With such as the much needed Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway held in abeyance and British Waterways pulling out of the Cotswold Canals, it is felt that questions will be asked about this finance for a 'dead-end' canal.