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	Extending the Avon Navigation
	The Warwickshire Avon between Tewkesbury and Stratford upon Avon is a popular boating river. During 2004 Warwickshire County Council embarked upon a major consultation to inform its decision on whether it should support opening the river Avon to navigation between Stratford-upon-Avon and the Grand Union Canal at Warwick or Leamington Spa. In addition to inviting written views we encouraged e-mail responses, consulted both Stratford on Avon and Warwick Area Committees and held a two day open meeting. The outcome revealed substantial opposition and, as a result, the Council resolved not to support the proposal.
	The basics It is likely that the navigation will follow the existing course of the river. It will require a number of locks and for some lengths a dredged channel in the centre of the river The supporters suggest that the navigation will provide a vital link in the national waterways network and encourage more visitors to Warwick and Leamington The opponents are concerned about the effects on the river landscape and on plants and animals, drainage, the loss of privacy, noise and disturbance, crime and trespass and the impact on existing users There is no detailed proposal at present. County Council is only considering the principle. It is certainly not considering any financial contribution and even if it supports the principle it may still oppose a detailed proposal
	Some additional facts The length of the new navigation will be between 16 miles (25 km) and 19 miles (30 km) Below Stratford Upon Avon 7000 boats currently use the river each year The current river corridor includes:- - 21 local sites of interest for nature conservation, - 17 Listed Buildings including 4 at Grade 1 - 5 Ancient Monuments - 3 sites on the Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest
	- 98 known archaeological sites - Several locally significant gelogical exposures Parts of the river are already used for canoeing, fishing, public boating, rowing, sailing and walking. Diagrammatic map showing River Avon, Grand Union Canal and settlements. Click on map for printable image.
	Timetable February - April written views sought (closing date 12th April) April - analysis of views May 12th and May 25th - consideration by Stratford on Avon (see below) and Warwick Area Committees. (Click here for agenda) 29th and 30th June - representatives made presentations to special open meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commttee (click here to view agenda) (Click here to view news story) 19th July - Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered all views received and agreed a recommendation to the Cabinet. Agenda. Minutes. (Click here for news story) 16th September - Cabinet considered Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendation and made the decision not to support the scheme. (Minutes)					Useful Links Stratford & Warwick Waterways Trust Avon Navigation Consultation response (summary)
	Stratford Area Committee resolved that:- That the Area Committee note the consultation results and representations made to the Committee That, on the basis of the evidence presented, the Committee is opposed to the principle of extending the navigation of the Upper Avon to Warwick or Leamington. Stratford Area Committee minutes 12th May Warwick Area Committee minutes 25th May Regeneration Projects – Avon Navigation Planning Transport and Economic Strategy PO Box 43 Shire Hall Warwick CV34 4SX

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