IWA’s Amy Tillson reports…
IWA’s Heritage Advisory Panel aims to safeguard and publicise the extraordinary national heritage asset that our waterways network represents. To aid public and governmental awareness of this, the group is compiling a ‘risk list’ of significant waterways heritage items that are endangered for whatever reason – for instance neglect, dereliction, insensitive repair, redevelopment or extreme weather events.
Here’s where your help is needed
Which are the elements of heritage concern or pride in your area? Waterways heritage can be anything from original paddle mechanisms, rope guards, horse ramps and mileposts up to complete aqueducts, bridges, locks, embankments, cuttings, tunnels and docks. Equally important are associated buildings such as lock and toll cottages and warehouses. These can be on any waterway that is or has been navigable or is under active restoration. Long-abandoned waterways structures are included.
The group plans to balance this with examples of enlightened restoration, repair and protection of specific heritage assets. So do let IWA know if you have positive examples as well.
The first outcomes of this work will be displayed at the IWA Harborough 75 Waterways Festival on June 7-8. Please send over your suggestions, accompanied if possible by clear, high-resolution photos by March 31, to give time to collate the information and produce the display material.Please send your responses to: [email protected]
