Stratford-on-Avon District Council will not be progressing with the Avon Navigation Scheme

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Press Release

Published on 11 February 2019
Archived on 11 March 2019


Stratford-on-Avon District Council will not be supporting the initiative which could have led to the extension of the Avon Navigation Scheme from Stratford to Warwick.

The decision, which was made by the District Council's Cabinet on Monday 11 February, follows a high level assessment carried out on behalf of the Council and its partners Warwick District Council and the Avon Navigation Trust to establish the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts if such a scheme were put in place.

The final report that was presented to councillors indicated that the economic case for an extension in terms of tourism potential, expected capital costs and environmental costs would not make it a viable option for further investment.

Cllr Mark Cargill, Deputy Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, says: "Unfortunately, the business case for this proposal is weak with the environmental and capital costs outweighing the benefits. I would like to draw a line under this element of the proposal - it would be unfair that residents, landowners and businesses should have a cloud hanging over them in the potential for the scheme to be resurrected in the future.   

"However, the report to open up a footpath between Stratford and Warwick is another matter, and this will be sent to Warwickshire County Council for consideration as the authority responsible for footpaths."

Cabinet members have recommended: That no further work is undertaken by the District Council to progress the scheme, other than to make a representation to Warwickshire County Council to promote cycle way and footpath improvements along the Avon corridor between Warwick and Stratford.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 11/02/2019