NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BOAT OWNERSWC Surveys PR
OUR CASH STRAPPED CANALS– A CATASTROPHE IN WAITING Lack of cash could endanger the safety of all who use or live near our canals and rivers, a recent survey confirmed.
BW Waterways Standards
This document, which sets out the standards for depth, facilities, etc. on waterways controlled by BW, is available to all boaters at a nominal charge, thanks to NABO. BW had refused to make copies available to the public. NABO took BW to the Waterways Ombudsman over this, and won.
Canal Closures
NABO wants waterway closures and restrictions to be minimised. Too often canals are closed for long periods and inadequate notice is given of stoppages and restrictions. NABO is represented at the National Stoppages meeting and its Regional Secretaries monitor planned closures and argue the case for more opening periods, better synchronisation and longer advanced notice.
Dredging
NABO continues to promote more dredging. Pressure from NABO and others secured a 50% increase in BW’s Southern Region dredging budget over a five year period.
Boat Licensing and Moorings
NABO was victorious in taking BW to the Waterway Ombudsman over the lack of consultation concerning boat licence fee increases.
Boating Issues at Local Level
NABO ‘s system of regional and local level representation provides a valuable means of cross fertilisation of ideas between different waterways. There have been many instances where NABO representatives have been able to cite productive thinking on one waterway to benefit others.
BW Property sell-off
David Fletcher, NABO chairman writes, There is good news coming from BW on the issue of the potential sell off. They have put out a press release The headline is: “The UK Government has today (7 December 2009) ended recent speculation about the sale of British Waterways’ property endowment in England and Wales by announcing […]
Navigation Authority Accountability
NABO’s campaign for an Independent Waterways Regulator for all waterways, has added significantly to BW’s resolve to overhaul their complaints and consultation procedures and produce a statement of intent document titled ‘Openness and Accountability’.
The Future of Navigation
The Future of Navigation NABO was consulted by the Department of the Environment over the future of navigation under two major UK inland navigation authorities – the Environment Agency and British Waterways. NABO recommended, and continues to urge, greater liaison and co-ordination between the different waterway authorities.
Recent news from BW
Dear all Defra grant to BW There is an announcement on this subject in the last week or so from BW under a press release.
