SC(3) - AIW37

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

Firstly let me say that i am thankfull that you are at the very least trying to listen to the view of all concern over the matter of access to inland waterways. a big thumbs up for proper democracy.

This issue effects me as a kayaker, i have paddled for over 15 years now starting at the age of 11. In that time i have kayaked too many rivers to list. Some what you many call illegally although not knowing it at the time. I have also been an active member of a local canoeing club the Llandysul Paddlers for most of that time. There are many fabulous rivers in my local area, yet only one short section of the river teifi that has access. I do not understand why a small section has access yet other section do not.
What i do know is that the Kayaking is not a crime - Official WCA Petition facebook Group has 2176 members to date. Are there that many people in any Facebook group against open access to waterway? If not then it would seem to me that the people have spoken and as our elected officals there is only one course of action to be taken. In fact i couldn't even find a facebook group against it!

To cut this email short because i could waffle for ages on the in's and out's of the matter and i'll leave that to those who get paid to waffle.

I think that all inland waterways should have open access for all.

No one owns water (although some corporation may think they do)

All the people I have ever used the rivers with have always treated them with the utmost respect.

Please restore my faith in democracy.

your faithfully

David Miles