The annual meeting of the Trust's North East Waterway Partnership will enable people to discuss how, 200 years after they were built, the region's canals and rivers can contribute to all areas of day-to-day life.
The Partnership, made up of local volunteers, has developed a 10-year plan for waterways cared for by the Trust; aimed at boosting jobs and tourism, promoting healthy lifestyles, improving accessibility and increasing education opportunities.
A freight route
Part of the plan, which will be discussed at the meeting, is an exciting proposal to use Yorkshire's historic waterways as an important freight route. The plan would see the creation of inland ports, including at Leeds, bringing investment to the area and boosting communities along the region's waterways.
The partnership, made up of senior local volunteers, will also be detailing some of their other ideas for improving waterways and encouraging more people out onto their nearest canal or river including:
- Improving boater facilities at Leeds encouraging more people to moor up and explore the city
- Developing a sustainable approach to staging Leeds Waterfront Festival and managing a successful 2015 event which attracted around 15,000 people
- Getting communities in Mirfield and Dewsbury more closely involved in their local waterways through events and volunteering opportunities
- Working closely with the University of Leeds on a range of initiatives to; inspire a new generation of engineers, improve understanding of the hydrology of local waterways, and develop events and opportunities for more people to get on the water through rowing and canoeing.
The meeting will also cover details of the latest maintenance and restoration programme on the region's waterways and enable members of the partnership to explain their hopes for the future of Yorkshire's waterways.
The public meeting will take place at The Wheatsheaf, Conference & Banqueting Centre, Altofts Lane, Whitwood, Castleford on Thursday 26th November from 12.00pm until 2pm.
