FEARS that Northwich's waterways could be privatised have been eased by the government.

They have given British Waterways £24 million extra investment, the chance to attract private cash and a promise that long-term debts will be cleared.

"This unique heritage requires the support of the nation," said Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. "I believe this is best served by retaining ownership of British Waterways in the public sector within a flexible framework of public/private partnerships."

The ground-breaking package gives British Waterways the power to control their own finances - and allays concerns that the Treasury was planning to sell off 2,000 miles of canals and rivers.

"You can't rule it out, but the government has asked us to talk to our users about becoming a charitable trust," said a British Waterways spokesman. "The chances are it's not going to happen."

The move has been welcomed by user groups.

"It's a great step forward," said Richard Drake, chairman of the Inland Waterways Association.

"The government has confirmed there will be no handing over of any assets and agreed extra investment. We couldn't ask for any more."

The government hope the measures, announced last Thursday, will safeguard the future of the country's waterways. British Waterways have £90 million worth of maintenance waiting to be carried out and plan to spend their extra money on the most urgent projects.

Bosses of British Waterways' North West Region, based in Northwich, have already planned how to spend their share of the cash.

They want to:

dredge the Weaver Navigation

rebuild the Riversdale Bridge at Hunts Lock

restore Newbridge

reconstruct Sutton Weir

repair crumbling banks

"Whatever use the money is put to we would welcome," said Geoff Williamson, chairman of the Trent and Mersey Canal Society. "We couldn't imagine criticising any increase in funding."

British Waterways has also been asked to improve links with the 10 million boaters, anglers, walkers and cyclists who use Britain's canals and rivers every year.

They are planning a six month period of consultation designed to give everyone the chance to have a bigger say in the organisation's future.

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