HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc1068-9W
Sir Irvine Patnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his proposals in respect of the Sheffield and Tinsley canal. [40957]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

Under the provisions of the Transport Act 1968, I have today made an order to upgrade the Sheffield and Tinsley canal from a remainder to cruising waterway.

British Waterways, which manages the canal, has in partnership with Sheffield city council and Sheffield development corporation, restored it to cruising standard. Reclassification is widely supported by local authorities, the boating industry and waterway user groups and will play an important part in regenerating the surrounding area. Significant public and private investment has already been committed to the area, and I am sure that upgrading the canal will boost investor confidence and help secure future investment.