05/01/2006
- The Environment Agency is launching a plan that will define
the future of the River Medway. The River Medway Waterway
Plan will be unveiled at the London Boat Show on Friday
6 January 2006. The Environment Agency runs the Medway Navigation,
which lies between Allington Lock near Maidstone and Tonbridge
in Kent. Environment Agency Officers maintain the 31kilometres
(19 miles) of river year-round.
The River Medway Waterway Plan includes 45 improvements
that the Environment Agency, together with local authorities
and local businesses, would like to see happen along the
river before 2010. This work will make sure the River Medway
is developed and cared for in the future. Plans include
building temporary moorings along the river and automating
the lock gates at Allington. The Environment Agency has
also put plans in place to develop and create habitats on
the river and increase public awareness of river wildlife.
The Environment Agency will achieve many of the aims set
out in the River Medway Waterway Plan by working in local
partnerships.
John Morgan, Kent Waterways Manager at the Environment
Agency, said: Were delighted to be unveiling the River
Medway Waterway Plan. Thanks to extra government funding
over the next three years we are investing more money in
our rivers than ever before. With this money we will be
able to modernise our waterways by improving the maintenance
of them and providing better facilities. This plan provides
a blueprint for the future of the River Medway. We hope
you will see and feel the benefits of our work next season.
The Environment Agency has developed the River Medway Waterway
as part of the navigation strategy, Your Rivers for Life.
This was launched in January 2004 and sets out how the Environment
Agency will restore, conserve and develop its rivers in
line with the needs of modern society over the next 20 years.
The River Thames Waterway Plan and The Great Ouse Waterway
Plan have also been completed and will be launched at the
London Boat Show.
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