K&A Canal Cruiseway bid to go ahead despite objections

British Waterways is to go ahead with an application for a ministerial order to reclassify the 'remainder' sections of the Kennet & Avon Canal to make them 'cruising waterways' despite the objections of two organisations.

Under section 104(3) of the Transport Act 1968 public consultation is required and two objections to the order were received. 

In January British Waterways gave a response to the issues raised by the objectors which was sent to them and it is now known that the two bodies concerned have refused to withdraw their objections.

The decision whether or not the Kennet & Avon Canal will achieve 'cruising' status along its whole length is now in the hands of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman, who Defra say will give a decision 'in due course'.