Canal & River Trust have issued a press release on 8 January setting dates for the Chief Executives' initiative of open boater meetings. They are planned for Thursday 23 January, 6pm – Birmingham, Saturday 8 February, 3pm – Nottingham, and Wednesday 26 February, 6pm – Banbury.

NABO Chairman Mike Rodd said "I very much welcome the initiative for open meetings for boaters, which are in addition to the many representative meetings NABO attends. Boaters can benefit from hearing the strategic issues that face the waterways, and be part of the future. We should take the opportunity to attend."

The full text of the press release is below.

Please note that CRT wish to know if you are attending, see bottom line.

FIRST DATES SET FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S OPEN BOATER MEETINGS

Throughout 2014, the Canal & River Trust’s Chief Executive, Richard Parry, will be hosting a series of open meetings for boaters and other waterway users across the country.  The meetings will offer a chance to for people to informally air views on any local or national issues and open up channels of communication for any future consultations.

The first meetings will take place on:

·         Thursday 23 January, 6pm – Birmingham.  The Bond, 180 – 182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE.

·         Saturday 8 February, 3pm – Nottingham.  Waterfront, Castle Wharf, Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7EH.

·         Wednesday 26 February, 6pm – Banbury.  The Old Auctioneer, 44 Parson’s Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5NA.

Richard will host these open meetings regularly, seeking to hold them in each waterway over the year.  Boaters with home moorings in the local area, and continuous cruisers who have been sighted nearby, will be contacted with email invitations.  Anyone else who is interested is welcome to attend and the meeting details will be available on the Canal & River Trust website. 

Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said:  “As I announced in November, I want to make sure we listen carefully to views from the cut and openly share our ideas and plans for the future so that we get input from those whose commitment to our waterways is greatest to make sure our plans align with what our customers want.  These informal open meetings are another opportunity for boaters and other users to speak directly to the Trust and I hope they encourage people to share their views and ideas.

“If you know someone who may be interested in coming along please help spread the word and pass the details on to them.” 

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

ENDS