Tunnel plan threatens vital link

As Chairman of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society I write in response to your feature about the threat to Netherton Tunnel.As stated, the tunnel is one of the jewels in the BCN crown and it would be ironic if the threatened closure happened as the tunnel itself approaches its 150th anniversary, due to be celebrated in 2008.

The tunnel is a vital link on the canals used by thousands of boats which bring tourists and visitors to our region each year. However, this is but part of a wider threat to our local waterways brought about by the swingeing cuts to British Waterways' budget caused by ineptitude in other parts of the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

DEFRA's mismanagement of the single payment to farmers scheme has resulted in hasty and ill-thought-through cuts in other bodies controlled by that unwieldy organisation.

Over the past couple of decades BW has made great progress in developing our local waterways and their surroundings. The success of waterside regeneration in Birmingham is spreading to other West Midlands centres like Wolverhampton and canal-focussed redevelopment is enhancing the economy and environment around the waterways. This, and much more is threatened by the cuts. Many of our local canals receive little maintenance at present and this situation can only get worse.

The 100 miles of waterways in the Birmingham and Black Country area are a local and national treasure. The BCN Society has been campaigning on their behalf for nearly 40 years. The problems now facing the canals are great. You can help - find out more about the Cuts Campaign on www.saveourwaterways.org.uk; find out more about the BCN Society on www.bcn-society.co.uk.

Phil Clayton, Chairman, The Birmingham Canal Navigations Society.