AN ARMADA of boats took part in a friendly invasion of London but carried a serious message to the Government: ‘Put cash into the waterways’.
Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) organised a protest flotilla with many boats taking part in a month-long cruise from Lincolnshire to the capital, calling on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to commit funding to their cause.
The 26 vessels arrived at Westminster on May 7 and signalled their arrival with a 10-minute blast of their horns.
Hazel Owen, chair of the AWCC (Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs) and a member of the FBW steering group, has been part of the protest. She said: “It was an excellent turnout, 26 boats in eight lockings came out of Limehouse. The first boats arrived at the Palace of Westminster by 9.30am and turned to stem the tide awaiting the arrival of the other boats, plus supports on Westminster Bridge, VIPs and FBW steering group members on the terrace of Westminster.
“At 10.50am the signal was given and a cacophony of horns alerted of our presence for 10 minutes.
“Not even broken locks or pollution from a fire closing the Maida Hill Tunnel stood in the way of the 26 boats representing thousands of FBW members, getting our message across to the Government that adequate funding is required to save our canals for future generations.
“A big thank you to the staff and volunteers of the Canal & River Trust for the special efforts they made to facilitate the campaign cruise.”
Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways campaigning to safeguard the future of Britain’s network of cherished canals and rivers.
Mrs Owen praised the Canal & Rivers Trust for its support, adding: “While some believe we can influence the current review of boat licensing on Canal & River Trust waterways, our campaign, Fund Britain’s Waterways, focuses on urging the Government to reassess the funding for all inland waterways to protect homes and farmland from flooding and preserve canals for future generations while highlighting the economic, environmental and social benefits of the waterways.”
The flotilla left Keadby in Lincolnshire on April 1 and progressed upstream, joined by further boats at West Stockwith and Gainsborough.
This event is the first of many leading up to the main Campaign Cruise at Westminster. The FBW flotilla will continue its journey, drawing attention to the ongoing need for investment and support for Britain’s inland waterways.
From London, the flotilla will head north and will cross the Wash to the Anglian waterways, continuing to sound its horns as part of the campaign. The initial group of boats is scheduled to return to Doncaster in August, 20 weeks after leaving.
