Venice, Italy, which has been slowly sinking for 500 years, is to have all its canals concreted.
The Italian government explained ; "We have spent billions of dollars over the last 100 years to halt the slow decline of Venice. None of our schemes have worked. We feel that Venice is too important a world heritage site to let disappear, so we are filling in all the canals to preserve it forever".
Although the scheme will initially be expensive the work, which will take 5 years to complete, is believed to be a last resort by an Italian government desperately short of funds.
Giovani DeJesolo, of the Venice Gondalier's Union, is writing to the President asking for permission to have wheels fitted to all gondolas so they will still be able to operate.
