Watson welcomes 'Waterlinks'

9.09.43am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Apr 2007

Ahead of Thursday's official launch at the Docks in Bridgwater, South West Euro MEP Graham Watson has praised the efforts of organisers and pledged his support for the Somerset 'Waterlinks' Project, which is vying for Lottery funding to promote a massive redevelopment of Somerset's waterways.

Speaking from his constituency office in Langport near the River Parrett where much of the redevelopment will be focused, Graham Watson said:

"Last September I met some of the architects for this project. It's a particularly exciting idea with much potential to expand. If successful, this scheme will really help promote tourism in the county. I wish all those who have worked so hard in this venture success and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure this very worthy project takes off."

In August 2006, the 'Waterlinks' proposal was selected alongside five others nation-wide to compete for the Big Lottery 'Living Landmarks Scheme'. This is a £50 million grant for redevelopment, dubbed 'The People's Millions' because in December 2007 television viewers will get to vote on which scheme is successful.

The 'Waterlinks' proposal aims to recreate navigation and reopen Somerset's waterways for boats and canoes. The scheme encompasses the Rivers Parrett, Tone, Isle, Brew and Huntspill and the Westport Canal. From Langport, to Taunton, to Glastonbury, organisers hope that a massive redevelopment of the waterways can be coupled with the development of new cycles paths and walking routes, heritage centres as well as innovative attractions such as a climate change centre and a lake village.

The project organisers are currently completing their feasibility study to be submitted to the Lottery by the end of May.