Vote Poll calls for canal lengthsman's re-instatement

Over the past month or so, Audlem Online has been running the Vote Poll asking the question: "Should the Audlem stretch of the canal retain its own local lengthsman?" The question arose because British Waterways has replaced the regular lengthsman, James Stretch, with contractors who, it is said, will arrive if maintenance is required.

So far, with over 300 votes cast, virtually 80% have voted in favour and we hope the result will help British Waterways to reverse this decision. Many believe it could have a serious impact on one of the most beautiful stretches of canal in the country.

British Waterways had been forced into cuts because of problems elsewhere in Defra and the massive fine likely to be levied on the British Government by the European Union because of delays in payments to farmers. MPs have recently said that former Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett should be called to account over the "fiasco" of delayed EU payments to farmers. MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee called the handling of the new Single Payments Scheme an "embarrassing failure".

We will end the poll shortly so, if you haven't done so yet and would like to vote, simply select Yes/No or 'Unsure' and click on 'Vote Now'. Your vote could have an impact on how one of the village's main attractions looks in the future.

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