BW Moorings Consultation
The aims of this British Waterways consultation are to: improve understanding of the complex issues associated with management of moorings on BW’s 2,000 mile historic waterway network in England and Wales invite feedback on new policy proposals which we have developed with help from national boating organisations.
Waterways for Everyone
DEFRA has launched a consultation on an updated Government strategy for the inland waterways of England and Wales – “Waterways for Everyone”. This sets out this Government’s way forward for enhancing the public benefits of inland waterways and replaces the previous strategy document called “Waterways for Tomorrow”.
End of Year Update
Dear friends, Just a little update on one thing and another before the holiday really starts. Legal Challenge The current position is that we have asked BW for a meeting date in January for Geoffrey and I to go to talk about the issues. We are awaiting confirmation.
WC 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.
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.
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.
Boat Licensing and Moorings
NABO was victorious in taking BW to the Waterway Ombudsman over the lack of consultation concerning boat licence fee increases.
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.
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.
NABO WC Surveys 2009
Dear friends At the end of August this year, NABO invited members, boat owners and hirers to respond to either or both of our online surveys: British Waterways' Waterways Condition Survey 2009 and Other Agencies' Waterways Condition Survey 2009.