The Canal & River Trust, entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways, reported a record year for the waterways across England and Wales with the publication of its Annual Report & Accounts for 2014/15.
According to the report, a strong financial performance in 2014/15 saw income rise 10% to £180 million, with £137 million invested by the Trust in charitable activities (up from £124 million in 2013/14).
This included the spend on repairing and improving the condition of the country’s 200-year old network of reservoirs, aqueducts, locks, bridges, towpaths, culverts and embankments as well as the replacement of 150 lock gates and dredging 130,000 tonnes of silt to improve the passage for boaters.
The year also saw the launch of ambitious vision, supported by a ten-year strategy that sets out the future trajectory for the organisation. This includes wider public engagement and improved customer service, increased community involvement, support for further restoration of derelict waterways, and continued growth in volunteering.
2014/15 Annual Report