On Sunday 22nd April, Michael Fabricant joined other canal enthusiasts
to walk part of the route of the Lichfield Canal – some 4 miles between
Huddlesford and Pipehill through the very heart of Lichfield. Michael
says: "I am a keen narrowboater and know that experience elsewhere has
shown that canals generate millions of tourists dollars which would
benefit Lichfield. The heart of our City would be just a short walk
from the restored canal. All this is now being put in jeopardy by cuts
in the DEFRA grant to British Waterways.

"That is why I have initiated a debate on canals and their funding to be
heard in the House of Commons starting 9.30am on Wednesday on the 25th
April."

Photographs show Canal Walk. Photo 1 shows left to right: Brian
Kingshott (Chairman of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust), Michael Fabricant, Cllr Colin Greatorex (Mayor of Lichfield) and
his wife, Donna.