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State of the waterways heritage report published

26th Aug 2008

British Waterways' head of heritage, Nigel Crowe, has published his annual snapshot of BW’s heritage management activities in his latest State of the Waterways Heritage Report.

The report shows that while funding for the care and maintenance of waterways heritage remains a key issue, the work of BW's heritage advisers, engineers and waterway volunteers has helped to further improve the historic fabric of the waterways heritage.

British Waterways is the third largest owner of listed buildings in the UK, and whilst the number of scheduled monuments on the waterways has increased, the numbers of listed buildings at risk has reduced to 43, down from 125 three years ago.

Nigel comments: "I joined BW as its first dedicated heritage adviser in the late 1980’s, shortly after English Heritage had pointed a finger at BW for a skills gap in its conservation work. Some 20 years on and attitudes and our approach to heritage management have developed to the point where BW is put forward, by English Heritage amongst others, as an example of conservation best practice.

"Providing an insightful look into the nation’s industrial past, the diversity of waterways’ heritage is a rich inheritance that by and large is being improved and safeguarded for future generations.

"Importantly each of British Waterways’ nine regional business units now employs a heritage adviser. This has been an integral part of ensuring BW has a better understanding and awareness of heritage issues which gives us a near complete compliance with statutory and in-house standards – despite the extensive maintenance and engineering works that are carried out across the waterways each year.

"Whilst, like myself, many waterway watchers take pleasure in noticing the small detail that makes each stretch of waterway unique, I am delighted that the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and its adjoining sections of the Llangollen Canal have been put forward as the UK's 2009 nomination for World Heritage status – a truly deserved honour."

Last updated: 22/10/2008