NEW health and safety rules are stopping people paddling a canal they have used for decades, says Scouts and canoeists.

The restrictions on the Sankey Canal through Sankey Valley Park stop individuals and groups just turning up and canoeing.

They now have to make formal applications to Warrington Borough Council.

Clr Jill Bolton (Lab - Birchwood), a former GB Junior Slalom canoeing champion, said: "The council has made it sufficiently difficult to be impractical, and therefore - in effect - impossible, to use the canal."

Groups affected include canoeists and their body the British Canoe Union (BCU), Forward Steps Developmental Education Limited, which provides outdoor education sessions for children excluded from schools, and the Scouts.

Tony Warburton, district commissioner for Warrington West Scouts, said the group had previously carried out its own risk assessments and got permission on the day from a ranger "We just think it's become too bureaucratic," he said.

"I hope we can get a generic approval for future events. I know how long it takes to get permission for something off the council."

Chris Hawkesworth, access and facilities manager for the BCU, said: "The council is being intransigent about it, without any reference to our governing body. Why couldn't they have come to us?"

Chris Cleaver, north west regional access officer for the BCU, said: "I think the nearest alternative water is Bridgewater canal, which is used by boats."

A council spokesman said: "In order to maintain public and park user safety it is essential that all activities, especially those involving access to and use of the canal, are considered and approved by the authority before being allowed to take place."