Canals 'are unlikely to be sold'

Privatisation of canals is not an option for raising money

British Waterways have said there are no immediate plans to sell off the West Midlands' canal network.

Its board has asked banks to look at ways of reducing its reliance on government funding, with one option being privatisation.

Canal users have warned that the number of people using canals would drop if they were charged more.

Eugene Baston, of British Waterways, said all options would be looked at but privatisation was unlikely.

He said: "The waterways are there for the people and they love the waterways, there's no doubt about it.

"Birmingham is a fantastic example of that passion that people have for waterways.

"It's about making sure that the waterways are attractive places and privatisation would probably be ruled off the agenda."