A new report has been issued proposing the creation of a national trust for the UK's waterways, which could interest those on Canal Boat Holidays.

British Waterways (BW) claims that the responsibility of maintaining and caring for these national resources should be passed from state control into the hands of third-sector organisations.

This will help the group to close its funding gap and could create closer links with waterside communities, it claims.

Tony Hales, chairman of BW, claims that this would become the largest collection of listed structures in the country.

He warns: 'Without the required spend on canal maintenance and repairs the overall physical state of Britain's waterways will once again go into decline.

'Mr Hales says that the time has come for change and highlights this as giving the BW a higher chance of maximising the public benefit.

The organisation has recently issued guidance highlighting the importance of safety for those on Canal Boat Holidays.