ROCHDALE CANAL RESTORATION PROJECT

Early day motion 764, tabled 10 February 1998 by Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour). Signed by 20 members.

That this House welcomes the Rochdale Canal Trust project to restore one of the oldest canals in the country, a project to which the Millennium Commission has committed ú11.9 million, with a similar amount from English Partnerships; notes that this would bring a total of over ú23 million and provide many jobs for those doing the restoration, and many more by encouraging development of businesses along the canal corridor; regrets the fact that Town Centres Securities plc, the owners of the Rochdale Canal, have failed to come to an agreement with the Canal Trust, despite 12 months' negotiations on a purchase agreement; regrets that the project is now in real danger of losing the much needed money; and calls on this House to support any initiative that would resolve this situation as soon as possible.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Labour/Co-operative 1.