 Dozens of boats blockaded canals in Birmingham |
More narrowboat owners have joined a floating demonstration as part of protests over cuts to the government grant given to British Waterways. Canals in Birmingham and across the West Midlands were among those blocked by dozens of protesters.
Narrowboat owner Penny Barber said the canals had been cleaned up in recent years and she was worried they would go back to how they once were.
Defra has said investment in waterways has been "heavy" in recent years.
The cuts amount to 5% of its recent grants.
The Minister of Inland Waterways, Lord Rooker of Perry Barr, said: "I don't think it will lead to the cutting of British Waterway's programme of work.
"We very much regret the cuts."
John Fletcher, chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, said the association was already having to make cuts and this would mean they would be planning the next few year's work programme on a lower funding basis.
Protests have also taken place in Shropshire and Worcestershire.
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