Derwent could provide health and pleasure

IN reply to Derrick Hale’s letter (“Grand river scheme is just not practical”, September 18), it is wrong to suggest the River Derwent has never been designated as a Navigation.

King John awarded Navigation to the Derwent in 1204. This charter is stored in Derby County Library. Access to the Derwent has been eroded over the years by mill owners, landowners and the Thatcher government with trespass laws, making many stretches disputed.

There is definite navigation for pleasure from the A38 bridge down to where it meets the River Trent.

Canoeists and other river users do not cause damage, they do not cut down trees or cut big squares out of river banks. There are many times river users have collected debris, helped clear floating pennywort (an invasive weed) and retrieved lifebelts as examples.

It would be marvellous if the Derwent could be used again for pleasure. One use could be similar to the “Doggy Paddle”. This is an annual sponsored event on the river Avon from Leamington Spa to Stratford on Avon for the Guide Dogs charity. Perhaps in conjunction with a cycle ride on the Derwent trail. In parts the Avon is similar to the Derwent, narrow and shallow, but there are plans to reopen the Avon for boats to help stop it clogging up and prevent flooding.

We live on a small crowded island with looming health issues for people, if we can persuade people to enjoy being outside using aspects of the countryside it should be supported rather than just putting forward arguments against it.

Steve Adams, by email