Helping to clear up canoeists' confusion (From Hereford Times)

Helping to clear up canoeists' confusion

8:30am Tuesday 20th November 2007

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THE Environment Agency has confirmed a new set of rules for river usage around Hay-on-Wye and Glasbury.

The Wye Navigation Committee hopes the guidelines will clear up confusion for canoeists launching on to upper sections of the river, as public navigation rights are currently only in place below Hay.

A committee meeting in The Swan Hotel at Hay heard an access group was formed between the Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales, Wye and Usk Foundation and commercial and private canoeists to come up with the framework, clarifying access points on the river during canoeing high season.

Points have now been agreed for use between October and March, when canoeists enjoy waters at their highest.

Norman Tyler, of the Country Land and Business Association (Wales), said: "A framework was put in place ready for the opening of the canoeing season.

"It's been officially accepted by the canoeists and other members as a framework for sharing the use of the river."

Some committee members said an agreement was not enough however, and were keen for official legislation to be passed outlining public navigation rights on the upper river as well.

Tony Wilson, of the British Canoe Union, said: "These agreements aren't as worthwhile because agreements can be withdrawn at any time and therefore are not an alternative to legislation being passed."

The new guidelines are part of an Environment Agency management programme for the River Wye and the River Lugg after a Wye Navigation Order was passed in 2002.

For details, visit www.wyeuskfoundation.org/navigation/index

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