ROCHDALE CANAL

Early day motion 2863, tabled 25 October 2006 by Paul Rowen (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House welcomes the environmental, leisure and cultural benefits that the restored Rochdale Canal brings to the districts it passes through; further welcomes the increased investment and economic growth the canal has brought in areas like Canalside in Rochdale; notes that a further £10 million will be needed to complete the restoration of Rochdale Canal; further notes that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs plans to cut British Waterways' funding by £60 million over five years, of which £600,000 will be cut from this year's winter maintenance budget for Rochdale Canal; is concerned that these cuts in funding may jeopardise the future of waterways such as Rochdale Canal; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the important role that Rochdale Canal still plays in Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire by restoring British Waterways' cut in funding.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 2, DUP 2.