HERITAGE TRAIL OPENS UP THE RIVER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE - HUHNE (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

HERITAGE TRAIL OPENS UP THE RIVER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE - HUHNE

May 1, 2009 5:45 PM

Chris Huhne, Debbie Tann and James Humphrys along with supporters and representatives of the councils Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne officially re-opened part of the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail, and said that it would open up the glories of the river for the residents of Eastleigh, Bishopstoke, Winchester and Southampton.

Mr Huhne was speaking at the grand opening in Allbrook - phase one of the newly renovated trail alongside the old Itchen Navigation - one of England's earliest canals. Debbie Tann, chief executive of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and James Humphrys, area manager of the Environment Agency, were also in attendance, along with supporters and representatives of the councils along the route (pictured).

Mr Huhne said that the trail allowed people to enjoy the prized chalk river as it flows from its upper reaches at Winchester through the floodplain near Eastleigh down to the Solent.

Mr Huhne said: "The trail opens up both man's and nature's works. The Itchen Navigation is not just important in the industrial history of this county, but in the whole country, as it was opened in 1710 and was therefore one of the very first canals to be built that opened up new markets to cheaper goods.

"This project will continue until 2012, stopping the deterioration in its banks, and helping to avoid breaches. This stage marks the re-establishment of the old towpath once again as a walking route through lovely countryside in the valley of the Itchen, a chalk river recognised not just here but by the European Union, as a precious environmental and wildlife resource" said Mr Huhne.

"The key is providing routes so that people can safely enjoy the valley and the Itchen with all its varied wildlife including the threatened water vole, colourful dragonflies and shy water birds, without undermining its sustainability".

The £2.4 million project which is part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Environment Agency and the local authorities, is set to be completed by 2012 and will restore and stabilise the banks of the Navigation, locks and hatches. The Project will provide information for walkers along the Heritage Trail, survey important wildlife species and involve nearby communities in conservation tasks and heritage research.