[17
DEC 98] WARWICKSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST PRESS RELEASE
New Developments In Navigation SagaWarwickshire
Wildlife Trust today, welcomed an admission by, the Upper Avon Navigation Trust that their
proposals for field commercial navigation of the Leam and Avon Rivers need a complete
Environmental Assessment.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Campaign for the
Leam and Avon Rivers (CLEAR) have been seeking an assurance from UANT that they, will
undertake a full assessment of the implication of their scheme. UANT had intended to just
assess the impacts of the section from the Grand Union Canal at Radford Semele via the
Leam to Warwick, even though they have made it clear that their goal is the link from
Radford Semele all the way to Stratford upon Avon. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was,
however, amazed that UANT have asked it to help fund their assessment.
Andrew Thompson, the Trust's Conservation Manager, said:
"UANT are putting forward a £9 million development
proposal to create a navigable route along a very environmentally sensitive section of the
rivers Avon and Leam. It is astonishing that they are not able or willing to fund the full
environmental impact assessment that is required by the legislation."
He added:
"They should either carry out the full assessment, or
withdraw their proposals and remove the threat to the thousands who use and enjoy the
rivers as they are. UANT's efforts would be much better directed at enhancing boat users
enjoyment of Warwickshire using the existing canal system."
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