SC(3) - AIW33

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

I have been canoeing for about 25 years and believe that Wales has some of the best rivers in the world. However the access to these rivers for canoeists is probably the worst in the world. For this reason alone I tend to canoe elsewhere be it Scotland or Europe where the access situation is much more logical.

I believe that if nothing else it will be restricting tourism to Wales. But fundamentally I believe the situation is unjust.

I understand that their is a potential conflict of interest with other water users but believe that this to be a fear with no factual base. I have seen countless examples where fishermen and canoeists have coexisted with neither suffering a loss to their hobby.

Please right this ridiculous situation.

Richard Retallick