Sir Peter Soulsby MP leads panel for national waterway awards
The Waterways Trust and the British Urban Regeneration Assocation(BURA) today announced that Sir Peter Soulsby, Labour MP for Leicester South, will be heading up the Assessment Panel for the 2009 Waterways Renaissance Awards.
Sir Peter will lead the assessment panel in identifying exemplary regeneration projects, successful environmental schemes and innovative community initiatives that contribute to the renaissance of the UK’s inland waterways. As the former Deputy Chairman of British Waterways and former Vice Chairman of The Waterways Trust, Sir Peter has extensive experience of waterway regeneration and as an MP has continued to promote the importance of our waterways as a catalyst for urban and rural regeneration. The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2009 close for entries on 30 September and are making their final call for submissions. Ten award categories ensure that all entries will receive appropriate consideration from the expert Assessment Panel. Sir Peter Soulsby MP, said: “It is a great honour to be invited to chair The Waterways Renaissance Awards and I welcome this as a fantastic opportunity to further encourage, promote and celebrate the continuing transformation of our canals and rivers. I urge everyone involved in imaginative and innovative waterway regeneration or development schemes to submit their nominations and look forward to celebrating their successes.” Michael Ward, Chief Executive of BURA, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Sir Peter Soulsby MP as Chair of the Assessment Panel. Sir Peter shares our passion to bring waterways back to their full use and with experience spanning both waterways and regeneration he is the perfect candidate to lead the assessment of these Awards. “ “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our previous Panel Chair, Sir Neil Cossons OBE, for the support and commitment he gave to the Awards in 2008.” Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust, said: “This is exciting news for the Awards and for the Assessment Panel. The Waterways Trust and BURA believe that Sir Peter Soulsby MP will be an excellent addition on the panel, having immense knowledge about the regeneration and development of UK’s inland waterways and being seen by many as the ‘waterways champion’ in both his political life and throughout his career in British Waterways. I am looking forward to what promises to be another successful year for the Awards and to celebrating the achievements of projects and schemes that clearly demonstrate the value of the regeneration of our waterways.” We would like to thank our sponsors - Arup, Crosby Lend Lease, Defra, Halcrow, Mersey Basin Campaign, Morrison Construction and Peel Holdings - many of whom have remained dedicated to the scheme for several years. The closing date for entries is 30th September 2008. For details of the assessment criteria and how to enter, visit www.bura.org.uk/awards. Further information is also available by contacting the Awards Team on 020 7539 4030 or e-mailing awards@bura.org.uk.
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