THE Oxford Canal is now in the hands of the people after the waterways authority left Government control.

British Waterways, a Government organisation, ceased to exist this month and has been replaced by the Canal & River Trust.

The new charitable trust has guaranteed Government funding for at least 15 years but today appealed for volunteers to work with it to shape the future of the network.

The new charity status means the organisation is free from Government restrictions and free to fundraise.

It is now looking for volunteers for restoration projects across Oxfordshire and also for donations.

Nigel Powell of the Canal & River Trust – a supervisor on the Oxford Canal, which links the city with Banbury and Coventry – said: “Volunteering is the way forward. It’s the way we can maximise the funds we have and achieve more.

“And it gives people a nice sense of ownership to be involved.”

He added: “It’s something that is just going to grow and grow over the next few years.”

Government has pledged to give the trust at least £39m annually for 15 years with the amount expected to rise after a review in two years.

Last year, the Government gave British Waterways £48m, but the Canal and River Trust is likely to make up the difference and more because it can now fundraise as a charity.

It is also expected to continue to make about £75m a year from commercial activities.

Jeff Whyatt, Canal & River Trust’s senior waterway manager for the South East, said all money raised would be invested directly into canals and rivers.

And he said volunteers would have a big role in the future of the county’s waterways.

“The formation of the trust is a great opportunity to get involved.This is genuinely an exciting time.”

The trust creation is the UK’s first major transfer of state-run infrastructure into the charitable sector.

Tony Hales, chairman of the Canal & River Trust, added: “Our canals and rivers have been transformed from a national disgrace half a century ago into a national treasure today.

“The creation of the Canal & River Trust marks the next exciting chapter in their 200-year history.

“By supporting us you can help keep your local canal and river special. We’d love you to lend a hand.”

  • For more details of the Canal & River Trust, click on the link.