I HAVE read with interest the recent correspondence concerning the proposals to open the higher Avon for navigation.

Why is it that arguments put forward by CLEAR are based not on fact but scare-mongery? - the same scare tactics used 200 years ago by those against the building of canals and later of railways, the very transport systems that were to bring growth and wealth to towns such as Warwick, Leamington and Stratford. Due to the decline of Britain as a major manufacturing nation, waterways no longer play a part in transporting goods but have found a new role in the leisure and tourism industries. Today's freight is people.

A survey carried out several years ago by the Stratford-on-Avon Canal Society showed around £1m brought to Stratford by waterborne visitors. This figure if updated would possibly be between £3m - £5m today.

Of course there has to be an environmental impact assessment carried out. This is now normal practice in all major waterway projects. Waterway Authorities are only too aware of the environment and any restoration or new waterway project has not only to protect but where possible, to enhance and improve the habitat of wild life. Restoration of the Montgomery Canal has created many new habitats to protect endangered species of plant found in the derelict bed of the canal. Nearer home Mr Thompson should perhaps inspect the wild life sanctuary's created by British Waterways and Local Partnerships at Earlswood Lakes, the original reservoirs serving the Stratford-on--Avon Canal. Even otters are now being spotted on many midland canals living in harmony with boats and humanity. A new waterway is planned to link the Grand Union Canal with Bedford using the River Ouse and is backed by the local unblinkered population.

Will Stratford bury it's head in the sand and sit around complaining of the diminishing tourist trade? It does very little to encourage visitors by boat as can be witnessed by the dismal approach to the town from the canal with the backs of unimaginative industrial buildings thinly disguised by scrubby bushes.

While the Stratford-on-Avon Canal Society backs the scheme, to open the higher Avon, it acknowledges that there will be some ecological impact during construction, but is convinced that handled with the care and attention of today's environmental awareness the project will be beneficial to all whether flora, fauna or human.

D C MILLER, Publicity, Stratford-on-Avon Canal Society.