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Bridgwater tidal barrier consultation
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- Category: Current Consultations
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Mike Rodd responds to DEFRA for NABO.
‘Having studied the submission prepared by the Inland Waterways Association, NABO supports its objections to the proposed order as follows:
- Land is required within the decommissioned bypass channel for the future construction of a lock to mitigate the impact of the tidal barrier;
- Navigation over its lifetime has not been safeguarded;
- Insufficient minimum headroom for navigation is permitted under both the vertical lift gates and the foot- and cycle-bridge;
- Detailed design information for the penstocks to be included within the tidal barrier has not been specified;
- Insufficient minimum headroom for navigation purposes has been provided for the temporary bridge across the bypass channel, required while the tidal barrier is being constructed.’
Boater Reps’ Meeting with CRT
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- Category: Canal and River Trust
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A report from boaters rep, Dave Mendes de Costa.
Yesterday the boater representatives on the CRT Council met with Matthew Symmonds (National Boating Manager). Many thanks to everyone who sent me their thoughts. As expected, the main area of discussion was around Covid-19. The tone was positive, there seems to be a desire to support people, but through individual arrangements rather than blanket measures. So the main message is: If you need support, contact CRT immediately on 0303 040 4040.
National Inland Navigation Forum Meeting, March 2020
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- Category: NABO Reports
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NINF met via a teleconference on Saturday 28th March 2020 with most member bodies represented, together with the General Secretary, Michael Stimpson. This Forum continues to be a useful meeting point bringing together navigational bodies involved in CRT, EA and other waterways. Present active members include DBA, AWCC, NABO, GOBA, HNBC, CBOA, IWA and RBOA.
Attempting to look positively toward the future, but recognising that the present crisis would both be with us for longer than presently anticipated and also would inevitably impact on the years ahead, the situation regarding the future funding by government for all waterways authorities meant that we, as the representatives of most boating organisations, needed to be seen to be joined up and getting behind the bids by CRT and EA.
The need for representation
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- Category: NN Chairman's Column
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Mike Rodd compares the attitudes of two navigation authorities.
Although being on a boat is a good place to self-isolate, if you are not a liveaboard, going to your boat is no longer an option. If you are already on board, CRT and the EA are asking boaters to stop all travel on the waterways, with the exception of accessing facilities. The suspension will be kept under review, applying initially until 14th April. During this period they are suspending the requirement to move every 14 days. These are challenging and changing times for all of us and we must all do what is best to ensure the virus is contained, and that you and I do not overload the NHS – which is doing an amazing job. Incidentally, CRT’s advice is at
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus.
It has been a busy time for meetings with the senior EA management and it is very important to acknowledge that, as they look to make their navigational responsibilities less dependent on the public purse and explore becoming more commercially viable, they are making every possible effort to consult all the boating and water-related organisations that are involved. While the outcomes are not yet clear, my own view is that the new senior folk, who have experience of making other organisations move towards becoming less government-dependent, are being very realistic in analysing potential funding sources. And they accept the responsibilities they have, to maintain their historically-precious infrastructures. I also have a strong feeling that they are determined to make themselves ready to become part of CRT!