River Lee Navigation towpath improvement BY BRITISH WATERWAYS
Added: Friday 12th of February 2010British Waterways has completed a £216k visitor improvements’ project on a one-mile stretch of towpath on the River Lee Navigation in Hertfordshire, creating a four-mile wheelchair and pushchair friendly route.
The improvement works, which started in October 2009, were carried out by BW’s contractors, May Gurney and included the widening and resurfacing of the towpath from Waltham Common Lock to Cheshunt Lock. The towpath was widened up to 1.6 metres in places.
The River Lee Navigation stretches 26 miles through the heart of the Lee Valley Regional Park, which provides miles of green open space, lakes and waterways to explore by visitors and is home to a huge variety of water-loving wildlife. The towpath enhancement works will improve access to not only the river, but also to the nearby country park.
Antonia Zotali, British Waterways’ senior project manager said: “This section of the River Lee Navigation is extremely popular with walkers, cyclists and anglers and as a result the towpath, which is over 20 years old, had become worn and uneven, meaning that when it rained some very large puddles were created.
The improvements that British Waterways has made will ensure that everyone can have safe and easy access to the river and surrounding park all year round.”
Since 2007 the towpath between Waltham Town Lock and Old Nazeing Road on the River Lee Navigation has been improved after a funding grant was awarded to BW from the Department for Communities and Local Governments Green Arch Growth Area Project.
WRG’s major projects to be tackled by the Canal Camps this year
Added: Friday 12th of February 2010The Cotswolds Gough’s Orchard Lock at Brimscombe Port, near Stroud, where work needs to continue to reconstruct the lock chamber wall, undertake repairs to the lock bridge, towpath and replace the bywash. There is a lot to do over the four weeks and these will be busy camps that require plenty of volunteers. Anyone with brick-laying experience or who wants to learn how to brick-lay will be most welcome. There are four one-week long working holidays running from 26 June-24 July.
Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation
This canal runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. To help maintain this beautiful waterway, WRG is running three working holidays on the navigation. Working with the Essex Waterways team, the tasks will include bank protection, painting, towpath clearance and repairs. In the summer, there will also be the chance to repair the brick walls on Treasure Island at Papermill Lock. Dates for camps for 2010 are 13 -20 February, 31 July-7 August, 23-30 October.
Montgomery Canal
An opportunity to spend a week in the stunning countryside of the Welsh Borders. In 2010, WRG will continue work reconstructing Crickheath Wharf near Oswestry. There will be some site clearance and casting of concrete foundations, as well as the chance to get involved in constructing a stone wall using heritage techniques. Volunteers will also be transplanting vegetation into the new canal and nature reserve habitats, as well as painting canal mile markers. 26 June-10 July.
WRG camps are open to anyone aged between 18 and 70. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to have fun and get involved. Each camp costs £56, which includes food and accommodation for the week. For more information on WRG and its activities, contact Jenny Black on 01494 783 453 / enquiries@wrg.org.uk or check out the website www.wrg.org.uk
Major repair for Netherton Tunne
Added: Friday 12th of February 2010The trouble plagued 3027-yard Netherton Tunnel, Dudley, will receive major repair work either next winter or in 2011/12 writes Bob Clarke.
The trouble plagued 3027-yard Netherton Tunnel, Dudley, will receive major repair work either next winter or in 2011/12 writes Bob Clarke.
The trouble first occurred several years ago when boaters claimed their vessels had struck a large submerged object. But the location given by boaters varied greatly and despite British Waterways inching deep draughted boats and a dredger through that section of tunnel, nothing was ever found.
Eventually engineers detected some movement in the tunnel’s brick invert which they thought could have been caused by a land heave – even though at that point the tunnel is cut through granite which was the core of a prehistoric volcano.
For the past two years the tunnel has been closely monitored by specially installed sensors while plans were drawn for a major repair which would be likely to last throughout the ‘stoppage season’.
With no appreciable movement having been detected there are no plans to restrict boat access. A BW spokesman said; “Depending on our funding position and other priorities we anticipate the repair work being carried out next winter or the following winter.”
Canal Festival – Pelsall 2010 postponed
Added: Friday 12th of February 2010A LACK of water has caused the postponement of the 2010 Pelsall Canal Festival.
Organisers were regretfully forced to take this decision after extensive discussion with the British Waterways region manager regarding the dewatering of Chasewater Reservoir. Lichfield District Council has been required to implement this to carry out remedial work to the dam and there will be no feed of water from the reservoir to the canal from May to October this year.
It is planned to hold the event on 11/12 June 2011 and discussions with all those involved with will be continued in the interim period. Boaters and others who have expressed an interest will be contacted individually to explain the reasons for the postponement.
BCNS is also reconsidering its programme for the reminder of 2010 in the light of this situation. Its main summer event will be held at the Titford Pumphouse, Langley, over the same weekend 12/13 June. The Marathon Cruise of the BCN has been cancelled and discussions are being held with BW regarding holding a revised version of its popular Explorer Cruise.
Timothy West to open IWA’s National Festival
Added: Tuesday 19th of January 2010WELL-KNOWN actor of stage and screen Timothy West CBE is to open the Inland Waterways Association's National Festival & Boat Show at Beale Park on the River Thames in 2010 – subject to filming commitments.
Along with his wife, Prunella Scales, Timothy has owned a craft since 1979 and it was the first boat to cruise the full extent of the newly re-opened Kennet & Avon Canal in 1990.
He is also a vice-president of The Waterways Trust, the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and a patron of the Huddersfield Canal Society. However, his interests are not just confined to canals, as he has also been involved in the restoration of The Waverley, the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer.
The Beale Park Festival will take place alongside the Beale Park estate, Lower Basildon, Berkshire, on the River Thames over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28-30 August and is a great three-day celebration of the inland waterways.
Attracting up to 600 visiting craft, including many historic vessels, with hundreds of trade exhibitors and live entertainment, the National Festival is a great day out for everyone.
The 2010 National will also celebrate the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt, one of IWA’s founding fathers who was passionate about waterways, steam railways and vintage cars, and the organisers hope to reflect this during the Festival.
Licence evasion reduced by a further 1.5%
Added: Tuesday 19th of January 2010The total number of unlicensed boats on BW waterways has fallen by a further 1.5 per cent during 2009. Despite the harder times of the credit crunch, 94.7 per cent of the 31,400 boats on BW’s canals and rivers are now fully paid-up licence holders.
BW’s annual National Boat Check took place over two weeks during November. Adverse weather meant that some navigations, including the River Avon and River Ouse, were inaccessible to enforcement teams. However, in a year which still saw 70 boats seized from their owners as the final outcome of enforcement action, evasion rates reduced from 6.8 per cent to 5.3 per cent (down from 10.4 per cent in 2007).
There were reductions in the number of unlicensed boats in seven of the eight BW administrative areas in England and Wales, with the biggest falls in the West Midlands, Wales & Border Counties and the South East – the latter seeing an above average 3.3 per cent drop in evasion rates.
Simon Salem, BW’s marketing director said: “These results confirm that the overwhelming majority of boat owners in England and Wales are obtaining the correct licence. The revenue BW receives from them is an important contributor towards the cost of maintaining the waterways.
“In just two years, the hard work of BW enforcement teams has seen the licence evasion rate fall by almost 50 per cent. The success of the ‘License it or lose it’ campaign and the late payment charge, combined with the increased efficiency of the routine monthly data collections have all made an important contribution.
“We are now collecting data about boat sightings so regularly and in such large quantities that the National Boat Check will not be needed next year. Instead we will be able to publish data on progress twice a year (spring and autumn) based on our regular sightings programme.”
Environment Agency prosecutes speeding boater
Added: Tuesday 19th of January 2010A boater has been ordered to pay a total of £1195 for navigating his boat without due care, and at excessive speed, along the busy River Thames.
Martin Quago O’Boyle of Selsdon Road, Neasden, London, pleaded guilty to two offences at Staines Magistrates Court on Thursday 17 December for navigating his powerboat Blue Rayz at an excessive speed with irresponsible behaviour towards other people, boats and wildlife.
Staines Magistrates’ Court heard that in May 2009 Mr O’Boyle had been navigating Blue Rayz between Silver Sands and Penton Hook Lock at such a speed that concerned onlookers felt obliged to contact the Environment Agency. The boat’s speed caused excessive wash – destroying a water-bird’s nest filled with eggs as well as damage to other boats. Mr O’Boyle told the court that one of the boat’s throttles had jammed, leaving him unable to slow down.
Mr O’Boyle was fined £650 for navigating the boat without due care, and £450 for speeding. Mr O’Boyle was also asked by the court to pay prosecution costs of £80 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Andrew Graham, waterways operation manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Driving without due caution is not tolerated on the River Thames and I am pleased that this incident was reported by members of the public. The witnesses were extremely concerned for their moored boats, the wildlife nesting nearby, and the people on smaller crafts, who could have been in danger from the wash from the speeding vessel.
“We are pleased with the fines that have been handed out following this prosecution. We take speeding and driving without due caution very seriously as excessive wash causes untold damage to the environment and other boats.”
The non-tidal river, above Teddington Lock, has a speed limit of 8kph (that's about 5mph or a bit over 4 knots). On the tidal Thames between Teddington Lock and Wandsworth Bridge there is a speed limit of 8 knots.
Under the Thames Navigational and Licensing General Byelaws 1993, boats must navigate their vessels at all times at a safe speed and with due care and caution to prevent avoidable damage or unreasonable disturbance to persons, other vessels or moorings or the river banks and in such a manner as to show reasonable consideration for all persons and property in, upon or about the Thames or the banks or towpaths thereof or any land of the Authority.
Under the Thames Conservancy Act 1966, people cannot have a boat on the non-tidal River Thames without it first being registered with the Environment Agency. This applies to all types of pleasure craft, including motor cruisers, sailing boats, narrow boats and open vessels, such as canoes or rowing boats.
An annual fee is payable upon registration and covers the period 1 January to 31 December. A licence plate is then issued which must be displayed on the vessel. Visiting boats also need to be registered to cover the period of the visit.
The Environment Agency is the Navigation Authority for the River Thames between Cricklade (Wiltshire) & Teddington (Middlesex). The 1993 byelaws are made under s233 of the Thames Conservancy Act 1932.
Waterways in Parliament
Added: Tuesday 19th of January 2010THE waterways and their future continue to be the subject of parliamentary debate, the following references to the canal network having been reported in Hansard:
Alun Michael (Cardiff, South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): What assessment has he made of the contribution to the economy of the canal network?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Huw Irranca-Davies): My Department is working with the Inland Waterways Advisory Council and the waterways authorities to establish and to quantify the wide range of goods and services delivered by inland waterways.
That will build on work undertaken by my Department and IWAC to evaluate those benefits. British Waterways' research estimates that its canals alone deliver public benefits of some £500-million per annum and support more than 20,000 jobs in local economies throughout the country.
Alun Michael: I congratulate the Minister on winning the support of the Treasury for ways to maintain the integrity of our invaluable canal network and expand their capacity. Does he agree that, for the future, a third sector model – a sort of National Trust for the canals – would be the best way to harness public enthusiasm for the canals with environmental and economic benefit and the stability that has been achieved in recent years?
Huw Irranca-Davies: Indeed. I pay reciprocal tribute to my Right Hon. Friend and other Hon. Friends who are so assiduous in keeping an eye on the future of British Waterways because of the wide benefits involved, and to the Treasury, which listened to the arguments and responded to them. The third sector model has featured in the Government's announcement, and British Waterways sees the potential for this alongside the exploitation of its property portfolio. It is a fascinating way forward designed to tap into the goodwill towards the waterways around the country, and I am sure that we will explore it further.
Mr Michael Jack (Fylde) (Con): The Minister will know from the reports that the Select Committee has done on our canal network of the importance of the property portfolio in contributing income to maintain the good progress that has been made on the historical infrastructure of the canal network. What assurances can he give me that that property portfolio will not in any way be degraded under potential new arrangements and put at risk the income needed to maintain the historical infrastructure of our canal system?
Huw Irranca-Davies: The real turnaround in the waterways has been to do with the success of the exploitation of the property portfolio under the British Waterways model, and we acknowledge that the third sector model referred to by my Right Hon. Friend would indeed necessitate the use of that property portfolio. It is also to do with the record investment that this Government have put in, with £800-million in grants over the past decade alone. The current state of our waterways and their maintenance, improvement and restoration, is a tribute to the work of British Waterways but also, I have to say, to the importance that this Government have placed on them.
Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire, Moorlands) (Lab): Does the Minister share my relief that British Waterways will retain its property portfolio and the income from it? Does he consider that the third sector model that British Waterways is now pursuing will enable it to work more closely with local communities, such as that around Rudyard lake, which is concerned about sailability and is fighting for facilities for disabled people at the lake?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Huw Irranca-Davies): I was pleased to meet my Hon. Friend and members of Rudyard Sailability recently to see the excellent work that they do. Everyone is concerned to ensure a satisfactory resolution as soon as possible, so that the work can continue. The Treasury has acknowledged that the mutual or third sector model is an interesting way forward and it is keen to explore it. I am sure that the Treasury will be seeking views from hon. Members and others on how the idea can be fleshed out, because it offers an exciting prospect for building on the good will that exists towards our waterways.
Mr Mark Lancaster (North-East Milton Keynes) (Con): The proposed Milton Keynes-Bedford canal enjoys cross-party support and will bring many benefits to the region. It has interesting financial arrangements and could well go ahead, but it is stalling at the moment. Will the Minister use his influence to get the project moving again?
Huw Irranca-Davies: For obvious reasons we try not to intervene in individual projects, recognising that British Waterways has a good overview and has achieved a lot in the past decade in opening up new stretches of canals that had fallen into disrepair. I wish the project well and if the Hon. Gentleman writes to me, I shall take a look at it. I applaud the enthusiasm of the people who want to open that stretch. We have many such instances across the country, showing why the strength and enthusiasm of volunteers are such a bedrock of the British Waterways network.
Sankey canal row
Added: Tuesday 19th of January 2010As we went to press, it was reported that campaigners for the restoration of the Sankey Canal on Merseyside are optimistic that a newly built bridge which effectively blocks the canal, may actually boost assist their efforts to see the canal restored to its former glory.
Dave Smallshaw, editor of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society's (SCARS) newsletter, said it was a case of 'there's no such thing as bad publicity'. The episode has resulted in discussions with St Helens Council which could prove fruitful in the long term.
A bridge, built by developers Langtree to create a walkway to the site of the Saints stadium, only has a clearance of a couple of feet, effectively rendering the canal unnavigable.
However in discussions with the council, Brian Spencer, the leader, had given an assurance to the campaigners that the bridge could be raised in the future, if ongoing plans for the restoration of the canal come to fruition.
On page 45, we report on a separate row relating to the bridge which, not unnaturally, being too low for boats, has also rendered the towpath unusable by walkers.
Towpath Talk Tableau
Added: Tuesday 12th of January 2010
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Chasewater reservoir drained
Added: Tuesday 15th of December 2009CHASEWATER Reservoir, Staffordshire, which is the main source of supply to around 100 miles of the Birmingham Canal Navigations is being completely drained to allow urgent repairs to be carried out on the reservoir’s several hundred yards long dam writes Bob Clarke.
And the reservoir is expected to remain empty until at least next September. Boating organisations are worried about the water supply situation during next year’s cruising season.
British Waterways hydrologists and engineers are now working flat out on several schemes to retain an acceptable level of water for navigation. A spokesman said: “We are facing a potentially very serious situation.”
Although BW retains the right to the 234-acre stretch of water, the reservoir and surrounding land – which is now a nationally recognised water sports, wildlife and recreational area – was sold by the former British Transport Commission in 1957 and is now owned by Lichfield District Council who, it is understood, are facing a multi-million pound bill for dam repairs.
Wildlife bodies have expressed alarm at the long-term effects the empty reservoir will have. The reservoir shores are home to thousands of water fowl, many of which travel from northern Europe to spend the winter months at Chasewater. In addition a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest are likely to be affected.
Chasewater is also an internationally renowned centre for sailing, power boat racing, water skiing and coarse fishing, with the surrounding area being a popular day-out attraction for West Midlanders.
It is understood that once drained, the reservoir will remain empty until next September. And it is estimated that it will take up to two years to refill from its natural feeds of small streams. springs and land drainage.
In November there was a meeting between the district council, BW and the Environment Agency. The BW spokesman said after the meeting: “We made a point of strongly emphasising the impact the loss of water will have on the canals.”
When full, Chasewater can hold up to 4-billion gallons of water. It is the major source of water to both the Wolverhampton and Birmingham levels. From there the water then feeds down onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Worcester Birmingham Canal, the Dudley and Stourbridge Canals and the northern reaches of the Grand Union Canal.
The only other major source of water supply is at Bradley, near Wolverhampton, where BW pump water from former Black Country coal workings.
But the Bradley Arm has filled up with masses of weed and the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society says the weed is so thick that it impedes the supply of water onto the Birmingham Main Line – an important route from the East Midlands and the Grand Union Canal to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union Canals.
Society chairman Graham Whorton said he intended to press BW to clear the arm out and enable more water to reach the Wolverhampton level and ensure the major tourist attraction of the Dudley Tunnel and its associated limestone mines and caverns can still function.
Marsworth Yard: BW development plans
Added: Tuesday 15th of December 2009While the possible sale of British Waterways’ assets en bloc is hitting the headlines again this month, in the meantime individual local sales are still arousing controversy.
Rumours had circulated that Marsworth Yard on the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal, was to be sold and all buildings on the site demolished to build 14 houses. Perhaps more importantly, from the plans it looked as if boaters would lose the water, Elsan and rubbish facilities with the nearest alternative being Cowroast, 17 locks away) or Leighton Buzzard.
Large numbers of British Waterways staff working on site also faced an uncertain future.
While there were opportunities to raise objections, the timescale for such action was found to be extremely tight. One objection raised by Colin Edmondson, made the following points:
'This is a site adjacent to a listed building, with a long history of waterway-related use, and forms part of the visual fabric of the waterways.
We are in danger of losing one of the few remaining operational wharves, with negative implications for both future commercial and British waterways maintenance uses.
The canal route nationally is in danger of being redeveloped out of all recognition in order to provide canalside dwellings for the privileged few, and will eventually have none of its built heritage left for future boaters to enjoy.
There is a sanitary site on this site for the use of boaters, with the next one being in the order of a day's travel away, it is essential that this is not removed.
I feel that a development of this kind is best situated away from the immediate canalside.
I do not believe that British Waterways has fulfilled its obligations re openness and consultation with user groups before submitting this application.'
However British Waterways recognised that some communication problems had arisen in respect of its proposals and on 26 November, Stuart Mills, the property director, issued a statement:
'There has been a lot of discussion recently about proposals by British Waterways’ partnership (H20) to redevelop Marsworth Yard, much of it untrue. We have consulted throughout the planning process with local residents and the local council. However, both British Waterways and H20 acknowledge that we could have done more to discuss the plans with a wider audience, and some of the current misunderstandings stem from this oversight.
This paper has been drafted to reassure anyone concerned about some of the issues raised.'
Midland Chandlers branch for Mercia Marina
Added: Tuesday 15th of December 2009MERCIA Marina has begun construction on a remarkable new 'energy saving' building for Midland Chandlers – the largest branch yet for the fast-growing chandlery chain. Due to be completed and opened by March 2010, this latest outlet of Midland Chandlers will be a low-profile wooden-walled building, in keeping with the rest of the marina.
Perhaps the most striking feature will be the living green roof of sedum 'grass', which gives excellent insulation properties and is very low maintenance. The building will also have large glass windows facing the marina – offering sufficient light during daylight hours to reduce the amount of artificial light needed – along with a large covered veranda area and nearby moorings for visiting boats.
The building is the brainchild of Darryn Buttrill of Bi Design Architecture, who said that at each stage he had to consider future potential development at the 585-berth marina, which opened last year.
"From the outset, we were told that every aspect of Mercia Marina had to 1have low environmental impact," he said. “I came up with the idea of the sedum roof not just for its low maintenance and energy saving, but because – along with the low roof profile and all-wood exterior – it would be much more unobtrusive, and would not obscure views of the marina.
"It's the first such 'green roofed' building in the area, and I believe it's the first on the canals."
Alastair Thomas, managing director of Midland Chandlers, says that Mercia Marina is an excellent geographical location for what will be – at 4000sq ft – the flagship store for the company, which already operates from three well-stocked sites at Braunston, Penkridge and Preston Brook.
"Not only is it very easy for boaters to reach, halfway between Fradley Junction and Sawley, but it's got excellent road links too, just off the A38 and A50. This means that you can drive over easily to purchase what you need for your boat, and it means we can restock very quickly as well."
Midland Chandlers will be joining several other businesses operating at the marina, including the Harrals/New and Used Boat Co. joint venture brokerage, Aqua Narrowboats workshop and hire boats, Shakespeare Classic Line hire boats, Trade n’ Post general store and The Willow Tree Tea Room.
Mercia Marina, which opened last year near Willington on the Trent & Mersey Canal in a former quarry, is one of the UK's largest inland waterways marinas. Along with space for up to 585 narrowboats, cruisers and widebeam canal boats, it hosts two hire boat companies, a major boat brokerage operation, and a new dry dock for both widebeam and narrowboats. The marina has a firm policy to remain environmentally sensitive, and has set aside further land near the canal as a nature reserve, accessible to walkers.
Boat owners’ rights – British Waterways replies
Added: Tuesday 15th of December 2009Sally Ash, BW’s head of boating, responds to the assertions made by the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) and reported on page 3 of November’s Towpath Talk.
Whether you’re boating across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, navigating the Pennines or exploring the BCN, the waterways have an undeniably unique appeal. For some, the attraction is the industrial heritage, for others it’s the wildlife or experiencing a slower pace of life.
Whatever the appeal, the number of boats and the number of towpath visitors has increased steadily for many years and we now have more boats and more people using the waterways than at any other time in their history.
When the canal companies built the network, they set rules out of self interest to protect their investment. Today we still need rules, not for self interest but for the common good to protect this amazing national treasure.
I don’t think it’s reasonable to argue, as NABO appears to, against having a basic set of regulations to help ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the waterways. Specifically, NABO has questioned whether BW can lawfully deny or withhold a boat licence for those flouting the rules, to remove offending boats or even to enforce regulations pertaining to overstaying.
National bodies representing their members should make their views known, but when an agenda is being consistently pushed on the back of a major misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the law, it’s important that BW respond.
Jackie Lewis, head of BW’s legal department and Barrister-at-Law, responded in detail to all of NABO’s points in early October. To publicly put the record straight, NABO (and its legal advisers) have been invited to meet with the aim of reaching an understanding of the legal issues raised. They have not so far taken up this offer and since NABO continues not to make any acknowledgement of BW’s response to its ‘legal challenge’, Jackie’s response is published and is downloadable from the consultation page on BW’s website.
NABO attended an important pre-consultation meeting on moorings policies with us in June, along with representatives of all other major national boating organisations, and was party to the development of the mooring proposals which we have now published.
The proposals in the consultation tackle some difficult issues about balancing the needs of different types of boater and waterway users. The report is available in paper format by telephoning BW’s customer service team on 0845 671 5530 or downloading it from www.britishwaterways.co.uk/mooringconsultation09.
New collections manager
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009THE Waterways Trust has appointed Peter Collins to the post of collections manager for its National Waterways Museum, based at Ellesmere Port.
Peter will oversee the trust’s conservation work in the museums and archives, caring for more than 15,000 objects, including the collection of historic boats and the archive holding 80,000 records.
Roger Hanbury, chief executive of The Waterways Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to our National Waterways Museum team. Peter will be working with our partners both regionally and nationally to help safeguard, manage and make our collection more accessible to more people. He’ll be working particularly closely with our volunteers, who play a key role in the care and interpretation at each museum site.”
Peter joins The Waterways Trust from the Imperial War Museum Duxford where he held the post of senior collections officer.
‘Idle Woman’ Olga dies at 85
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009The canal equivalent to the Land Girls, the young ladies wore a badge with the initials IW to indicate that they were working on the Inland Waterways on essential war work and were given the nickname ‘Idle Women'. Olga was also one of the four women who last October helped The Waterways Trust and British Waterways to commemorate the contribution made by the ‘Idle Women’, with the unveiling of a plaque at the Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum.
One of the ‘Idle Women’, Olga Kevelos, has died at the age of 85. Olga was one of the exceptional group of women, who during WWII worked transporting cargo along the nation’s waterways to aid the war effort.
Huddersfield locks get winter overhaul
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009AS part of its annual maintenance programme, British Waterways will be undertaking a £445,000 project of essential works along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal over the next few weeks. The maintenance will include the replacement of eight lock leaves on six lock gates along the canal, as well as repairs to a breach of the ground paddle culvert and leakage through the lock wall at Lock 14, or ‘Ramsden’s Lock’.
British Waterways staff will be fitting the new lock gates which have been made at the BW Stanley Ferry Workshop in Wakefield. The old lock gates will be recycled and reused for other projects. The towpath, which is currently used by hundreds of local residents and visitors for walking, running and cycling, will have diversions in place throughout the project.
Has BW slipped free of its legal moorings?
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009BRITISH Waterways has called for a 'constructive debate' on boat owners' rights following a legal challenge to its powers writes Bob Clarke.
This was mounted by the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) after receiving questions and complaints from members following the revision to general Terms and Conditions for Boat Licences in October 2008.
These claimed that aspects of the document appeared to be at variance with the written law, prompting the association to seek legal guidance.
NABO council member with responsibility for legal affairs, Geoffrey Robinson, stated in a formal letter of complaint: “NABO considers that BW does not have the freedom to introduce changes to the terms and conditions including the moorings guidelines and thus the way in which the law may be applied to boat owners. BW staff have stated to NABO that BW have additional rights as a landowner which are over and above the conditions governed by Act of Parliament.
“NABO understands, following legal advice, that BW’s powers are limited and conditioned by its statutory powers and there are no other special powers available.”
The key issues in NABO’s complaint are:
* BW may not legally deny or withold a licence if a boater breaches the continuous cruising guidelines which do not have the force of law but are stated as a requirement in the Terms and Conditions.
* Boats with a permanent mooring under the BW Act 1995… contrary to the wording of the terms and conditions are not bound by or subject to the 14-day rule.
* BW does not have general authority to remove boats over staying mooring time limits under the 1983 Act nor can such boats be regarded as an obstruction to navigation.
* BW does not have general powers to interpret the law and specifically not in the case of the BW Act 1995 to define navigation.
“This is an unsatisfactory situation, unclear and unfair to boaters and open to misinterpretation by enforcement staff and the courts,” added Geoffrey.
NABO’s chairman David Fletcher commented in NABO News: “BW would have us believe that its opinion is the law but, in fact, this can only be tested in court. I think this is really important for all boat owners. BW cannot manage the waterways on the basis of its own legal opinion.”
A BW spokesman responded: “We have offered to set up a meeting between NABO representatives (and their legal advisers if they so wish) and senior members of our in-house legal team in an attempt to reach more of a shared understanding. NABO has yet to respond to this offer.
“As custodian of the waterways, it is BW’s job to maintain amenity for a wide range of users. As boat numbers continue to grow, we would prefer to achieve consensus with boating groups on what constitutes fairness in use of scarce water space than to rely increasingly on our legal powers to remove those who fail to comply with the law. This is why we have launched the new consultation on moorings policies and we hope that NABO will very soon turn its attention to this so that we can have a constructive debate on this subject.”
Strensham lock closure warning
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009A NOTICE of restricted through navigation has been given for the Lower Avon at Strensham Lock.
Work on the lock will mean that navigation will cease through the lock from 7am on 30 November for an approximate three-week period until 18 December. For further details telephone the LANT office on 01386 552517.
Early Christmas stocking for River Trent
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009STRETCHES of the River Trent and Tame that were badly affected by recent pollution incidents will get an early Christmas stocking of thousands of baby fish this winter.
Over the next few months, the Environment Agency’s Calverton Fish Farm, near Nottingham, will be providing tens of thousands of young fish, including chub, dace, barbel, roach and bream.
Many of the fish are destined for a new home in the River Trent, both downstream of Stoke on Trent and close to Burton on Trent. These fish will help to re-populate a stretch of the river that was affected by last month’s cyanide pollution.
Increase in water vole numbers
Added: Monday 16th of November 2009THE water vole is among nearly 300 different species spotted making their homes by the country's canals and rivers, according to a survey by British Waterways.
Britain's fastest-declining mammal, the water vole, has been decimated by the introduction into the wild of American mink that have either been released or escaped from fur farms.
Rare butterflies, otters, a porpoise and even an alligator snapping turtle were among the less common of the 42,500 sightings recorded in the survey, while mallards, Canada geese and swans were the most commonly seen. It was a good year for sightings of the survey's focus species, the bumblebee, as a warm start to summer meant that a healthy number were spotted taking advantage of waterside wild flowers.
"Canals and rivers are ideal wildlife corridors that support a vast array of wildlife, including bats, newts and otters," said British Waterways’ ecology manager Mark Robinson.
"It is particularly encouraging to note the number of water voles spotted this year.”
Mark also urged people to get out, get closer to nature and do their bit to preserve it by heading to the nearest inland waterway to help record the animals, bugs and birds that bring the rivers and canals to life.
Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine
Added: Thursday 12th of November 2009Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.
Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.
Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.
Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’
Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.
www.classic-american.com
A critical time for our waterways’ future
Added: Monday 12th of October 2009Although IWAC does not mention the point, one can only assume it will look at the potential of funding from local authorities – ranging from cities, towns and district councils – many of whom experience economic benefits, including tourism, which come from well-used waterways.
Examples range from ‘honey pot sites’ such as Brindleyplace in Birmingham to the rural communities which, over the season, benefit from hundreds if not thousands of visiting boats whose crews patronise local businesses such as supermarkets, pubs and restaurants.
There is a growing feeling among waterway organisations that BW should not be expected to even part-fund extensive towpath refurbishments or upgrades which merely benefit walkers and cyclists; their argument is that boaters only use the towpath at moorings sites and working through locks. If local authorities want to enhance the health-giving benefits of towpath walking and cycling for their residents than they should fund such improvements and thus let the navigation authority concentrate on its core activity.
The suggestion of more local involvement raises the question of BW’s suggestion of moving into the ‘third sector’. This suggestion has been well received in many quarters but, as ever, the devil will be in the detail. Such a move and subsequent consultation would reflect the IWAC’s forthcoming report which will be looking at the funding involvement of other organisations. This is also a point being considered by a two-stage project being funded by Defra to establish the extent and value of the public benefits provided by the waterways.
But many critics of Defra (and therefore the Government) say that the wider benefits to local communities have already been well documented and that the time for talk and more meetings should be over.
Equally the critics claim the case for a Government/BW/EA funding contract has already been convincingly made. They also claim that, in the present circumstances, this is the only way either BW or the EA could effectively financially plan for ahead for the medium term.
But with a general election looming and the Government reports still being compiled, a revamp of the waterway funding still seems a long way off.
Meanwhile the BW and EA navigations will continue to struggle and are seemingly lurching from one maintenance crisis to another. Indeed their very future, even in the short term, could soon be reaching a critical point.
Who was it who fiddled while Rome burned?
What happens if the figures don’t add up?
Added: Monday 12th of October 2009With BW and EA facing serious funding shortfalls Bob Clarke looks at what the future holds for our cash-strapped inland waterways.
In a few months’ time a clearer picture of the possible future funding of both the British Waterways and Environment Agency inland navigations will emerge when the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) publishes its report on 'The Funding and Income Sources for the British Inland Waterways'.
That report, plus the forthcoming updating by Defra of 'Waterways for Tomorrow' will hopefully give the most detailed medium- to long-term funding outlook for the inland waterways.
The most immediate problem, of course, is the situation both BW and the EA find themselves in as they struggle to maintain their existing navigations in what BW refers to in its annual report as a ‘holding state’ owing to the financial problems facing the Government and the less than healthy outlook for further funding.
Whatever the IWAC and Defra reports recommend, any agreed action will take a considerable time – possibly two or three years to fully implement. And, of course, there will be the little matter of a general election in the next 12 months, the outcome of which could radically affect future funding and planning depending on the policy of the incoming administration.
If, in the short term, the waterway maintenance problems worsen, there could be a real danger that some waterways may face temporary or even extended closures such as on some of the remainder waterways – the bulk of which are on the once-mighty Birmingham Canal Navigations. BW has said it has a shortfall of some £30-million a year in its maintenance programme with a similar situation facing the EA navigations.
This is why the IWA national chairman Clive Henderson launched the SOS (Save Our System) 2010 campaign and is calling on all user organisations to campaign locally and regionally and support the IWA in its national stance. There has already been widespread support for Mr Henderson when he described the Defra £10-million cut in BW’s funding as 'perverse'. His description came after Defra had announced the cuts but at the same time had publicised the waterways’ value as a source of health and well-being for communities and a major source of urban and regional regeneration.
And speaking at the National Waterways Festival he said: “To use the analogy of a householder – in times of austerity you may not buy new furniture and decorate but, when your house is in serious disrepair you do not skimp on repairing the roof.”
His call to arms has resulted in the RYA, National Association of Boat Owners and the Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs signing up to the IWA campaign. Further details are now available on the IWA’s website at www.sos2010.org.uk
However, Defra’s attitude to towards the inland waterways’ future funding is puzzling many, particularly as at a meeting of IWAC in December 2008, the Waterways Minister confirmed there would always be a role for government funding of inland waterways. To many that seemed to be a case of pointing out the blindingly obvious; if there was no role for the government funding of the inland waterways, then where else could multi-million funding come from to keep the inland waterway navigations functioning?
The IWAC report on the future funding for the British inland waterways is quite explicit: “This report will provide evidence of the existing types and amounts of funding and incomes of members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities and organisations whose activities are dedicated to the public use of navigable inland waterways…
“Having identified the relevant organisations and obtained the required data, the report will analyse the organisations’ revenue types along with their sources and consider the future outlook for their funding and income.” Interestingly IWAC will also be looking at the various revenue and funding sources for inland navigations in North America and Europe.
Tom Rolt events planned for 2010
Added: Monday 12th of October 2009NEXT year is the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt, one of IWA’s ‘founding fathers’.
To celebrate this centenary, several events are being planned, including a celebration rally at Tower Wharf in Chester over the weekend of 26-27 June. And next year’s August Bank Holiday National Festival & Boat Show at Beale Park has also been badged as the Tom Rolt Centenary Celebration Event.
Visit www.waterways.org.uk for updates.
Berks Divers find buried treasure
Added: Monday 12th of October 2009THE recent discovery of a bag full of silver by the Environment Agency has sparked a police investigation in Berkshire.
Environment Agency staff were originally called out to Boulters Lock in Maidenhead to carry out emergency repairs. But when divers went into the lock to mend the gate they found sunken treasure in the depths of the river.
The items, which include trophies and cups, are believed to have been stolen in a burglary, had been in the water for some time before the Environment Agency discovered them during the emergency repair works at Boulters Lock on 19 September. Anyone with any information about the owner, is asked to contact police on 0845 8 505 505.
Sewage and chemical leak on River Trent
Added: Monday 12th of October 2009AS we went to press, the Environment Agency was warning that cyanide and raw sewage had entered a 30-mile stretch of the River Trent in Staffordshire between Stoke-on-Trent and Yoxall.
The leak has killed thousands of fish and an investigation has been launched to find the source; while farmers, anglers and boaters have been warned that water should not be taken out of the river for any reason, as the pollution poses a potential health risk.
Youngsters open vandal-proof locks
Added: Wednesday 16th of September 2009Vandal-proof locks developed some years ago by British Waterways in an attempt to prevent lock paddles being drawn and pounds drained by vandals are proving ineffective, particularly in the Black Country, writes Bob Clarke.
British Waterways has admitted that keys to open the vandal-proof locks are being copied by youngsters who have been creating mayhem on lock flights as well as individual locks by draining pounds, usually at night.
One black spot for this activity is on the 16-lock flight on the Stourbridge Canal at Wordsley where lock pounds are regularly being drained by youths using the home-made keys and, if they haven’t windlasses, spanners.
A BW spokesman said: “We know young people have got hold of keys and copied them. Unfortunately the locks are not vandal-proof because where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
After the Wordsley incident – where a 400-yard stretch of canal was drained on a Sunday evening last month – a suggestion has been made by some boaters that BW should consider offering a financial reward for information leading to the identity and conviction of vandals. On this point BW commented: “It’s not something BW is considering doing and we have to consider all options before deciding to enter into any kind of financial reward system. We are sure that some factors in deciding on such action would involve the amount of damage and if financially it would be possible to recoup the costs of the damage and the potential legal costs involved in a process like this.”
Narrowboat fire
Added: Wednesday 16th of September 2009A narrowboat caught fire while it was being repaired at Black Country Narrowboats yard on the Stourbridge Canal, Prestwood.
Boatyard owner David Baugh said welding was being done to the hull when the boat caught fire. Stourbridge Fire Brigade watch commander Antony Dingley said the fire had already been tackled with a hosepipe before the brigade arrived and although there was some smoke damage, the boat’s structure was not seriously damaged.
Book now for Christmas at Black Country Museum
Added: Wednesday 16th of September 2009TICKETS for autumn/winter events at the Black Country Living Museum have gone on sale with visitors urged to book early for events which include Halloween at the Museum, Traditional Bonfire Night, Santa Hunts and Traditional Christmas Evenings.
The museum’s biggest evening event of the year is its traditional bonfire night, which celebrates with roaring bonfires, traditional entertainment, hot roast chestnuts and a fairground in full swing.
Tickets can be booked via the booking office on 0121 520 8054 from Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.
Broads Authority seeks new member
Added: Wednesday 16th of September 2009DEFRA is seeking an individual with a keen interest in the Broads to become a member of the Broads Authority and advise on the future development of this important wetland and much- loved boating area.
The Broads Authority is a member of the National Park family and 10 of its 21 members are appointed by Government. The role of members is to set the strategic direction for the authority which has the important role of overseeing the management of this unique area.
Applications from women, members of ethnic minorities, young and disabled people are particularly welcome. Applicants will need to attend a minimum of eight meetings a year on weekdays. The position is unsalaried although a small allowance and expenses are paid.
Application forms and further details can be obtained from: Mel Sherwood, telephone 0300 060 0588, or email boardservices@naturalengland.org.uk
'Party-syllte' event celebrates world heritage status
Added: Wednesday 16th of September 2009BOAT owners and visitors are being urged to join in a gala day to celebrate the success of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in its newly won World Heritage Site status.
British Waterways and Wrexham County Borough Council have teamed up to present an event-packed family day on Saturday 3 October, which will centre upon Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Trevor Basin, with a host of activities between 1pm and 7.30pm early evening, including eco-stalls, live entertainment, music, magicians and a host of activities for all ages. See p55 for more details.
New gas safety scheme
Added: Thursday 18th of June 2009OWNERS of boats with gas systems installed need to know that Gas Safe RegisterTM replaced the CORGI gas registration scheme in England, Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man in April this year and the BSS is keen that people are aware of the changeover.
Research for Gas Safe Register found that most of the people asked took it on trust that their gas engineer was properly registered and never checked it out.
Using gas engineers who know exactly what they are doing is vital, because the dangers linked to poor gas work are real. Each year, on average, the Boat Safety Scheme logs six incidents of carbon monoxide or explosions on boats caused by badly installed or dangerously repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances and systems.
Gas Safe Register is providing two straightforward ways of finding details of engineers registered to work on marine LPG systems. You can visit its search facility on the home page of www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the dedicated helpline on 0800 408 5500.
Every Gas Safe registered engineer has a photo ID card with a unique licence number and details of the work they are qualified to do. To check this information simply enter the engineer’s licence number on the website or call the helpline.
While the law does not require gas engineers to be Gas Safe Registered for privately owned boats used solely for leisure, it is still strongly recommended to choose only those engineers recognised as competent to work on marine LPG.
However, if the boat is used as a place of work, hired out or let as a place to live, or even used as an owner-occupied residence, the UK law insists that anyone employed to work on gas installations or appliances must be a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Timetable set for new Scottish canal
Added: Thursday 18th of June 2009A NEW Lomond Canal could bring tourism and jobs as well as resolving flooding problems along the Strathleven Corridor.
West Dunbartonshire Council has given the green light to the strategic outline for the multi-million pound project, which is set to get under way in 2011. Running parallel to the river Leven through Dumbarton and the Vale, the new canal should be completed by 2020.
Nationwide survey
Added: Thursday 18th of June 2009Plantlife is launching a nationwide public participation survey on non-native invasive aquatic plants and hopes to gather useful data about the extent of the continuing sale of such plants in garden centres and pet shops and their distribution in the wild, as well as to raise public awareness of the problems associated with non-native invasive aquatic plants.
Data can be entered online by visiting the Plantlife website at: www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/plantlife-get-involved-againsttheflow-surveyform.html
Super Safety day helps boaters
Added: Thursday 18th of June 2009Seventy boats were given free safety information and installation checks in the first of a series of Super Safety days run by the Broads Authority at St Benet’s Abbey on the River Bure, with boaters stopped for speeding, toll offences and for routine safety checks on visiting craft.
Of the 69 boats stopped 54 were not displaying toll plaques and 14 did not display registration marks. One unlicensed boat which had a Boat Safety Certificate failed a hazardous boat check because modifications carried out since the issue of the BSS certificate were not of the required standard.
“Boat owners were very co-operative and welcomed the free information, said Broads safety officer, Steve Birtles. “We would like to emphasise the need to continually check your boat’s installations, because just having a BSS certificate does not guarantee all is well.”
More safety days will be held throughout the season to keep people informed of the standards with which their craft need to comply to navigate the Broads.
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