For clarity Lawrence, I should emphasise the difference between BW’s PUBLISHED POLICIES and the principles upon which they act.It is also true, as Conal has pointed out, that a degree of autonomy lies between the various regions, though they all have to conform to directives from the top. It is comforting to hear that some regions can permit the sort of successes that Conal appears to have, but no such latitude is permitted in London, nor other regions I’ve been involved in.It’s from the top that the tensions between genuine, caring aspirations for the network and purely commercial aims arise. George Greener, the former Chairman was bad enough, - he wrote to me: “British Waterways is not able to alter the momentum of change in Brentford …. AND WOULD NOT WISH TO DO SO”. (my emphasis, and such nonsense, - they are DRIVING this change). But what of his replacement? – straight from the world of large scale property development!Robin Evans, CEO, claims great sympathy for the heritage and boating use of the canals, and assures us of his commitment to preserving the operational and historic infrastructure. But he adds a condition that is found in no Parliamentary Act of which I am aware – that such must be “viable”! Needless to say, he insists that no one other than BW are in a position to determine viability. As I’ve mentioned before, it is Robin Evans who has dictated that this area of Brentford is now no longer suited for commercial use, whether water-related or otherwise, and is fit only for “highly desirable waterfront residential”.Have you seen what they wish to convert Commerce Road into? The existing developments around the canal will be dwarfed by comparison. 4-5 story flats and shops right on the towpath, rising to a 15 story tower behind the demolished warehouses, all in a whitewashed concrete block architecture with pretensions to mod-mediterranean chic.Sorry for the diatribe, it might seem removed from your question. It points up however, the problem that has to be faced when any counter-action is mooted. To be really effective, the current BW mind-set needs to be attacked from Parliamentary level on down.Leaving that aside for the moment, there are a number of ways in which those concerned at ground level can raise their voice.First of all, especially for individuals, writing in to the local papers is far more effective than you might imagine, especially when that provokes a continuing debate. Publishers like to see interest stirred, and will often illustrate the points in articles.Second, send copies of all such letters whether published or not, to BW’s public relations office. Let them know what you do and do not want. One of the biggest cons in all unpopular planning applications is the use made of public failure to protest. That’s taken as affirmative approval!Third, use the canal specific magazines: Waterways World; Canals & Rivers; Canalboat & Inland Waterways.Fourth, post on the waterways websites. There are a bewildering number of these, some better and more active than others. Look up: http://www.narrowboatworld.com/ and: http://www.canalworld.net/ for a start.Fifth, - (this is tedious), check up on planning applications along the canal, check them out and write in with comments to the planning department. So many little applications slip through that committees cannot know the effect of, yet alter the environment you revel in for your lifetime.Sixth, in terms of the immediate hassle over Commerce Road, it’s strictly too late to write to the Planning Inspectorate, but it can be done anyway, and sometimes gets allowed as submissions. Another way around this is to write to the Council &/or the “Rule 6” parties, asking them to present your views as part of their evidence. Regardless of success in any of these avenues (Rule 6’s should prove amenable – especially the Brentford Community Council, and perhaps the Regents Network), turn up at the Inquiry when it starts at the Civic Centre. Inspectors are always impressed by numbers of the public demonstrating their interest. The problem of course is that the hearings are mostly during working hours, but there is often the opportunity to raise a hand to ask for your voice to be heard despite not having registered previous interest. An Inspector will often be flexible where proposals deeply affect the local populace.Seventh, it might be officially too late, but you should find that the Strategic Planning Department of Hounslow will still be prepared to take on board written submissions from locals on how they wish to see the canalside preserved/developed/improved. The “tick the box” questionnaires were obscure and limited, your own freely expressed views will actually be appreciated.Eighth, it is little known, but in the interests of public accountability, BW London hold two meetings a year for West London user groups. They do like to control this by insisting that only representatives of groups attend, but there is nothing to stop anyone just turning up. I’d suggest that if you are aware of “many others like” you who might perhaps be described as “Hounslow Towpath Users” or such-like, then you should get them all signed up to such a group and elect a representative to speak for you at these meetings. The next one is at Hillingdon on the 24th May at 7pm. I would strongly urge this approach on you. The meetings don’t have to be “BW bashing”, they can be opportunities for presenting positive wish-lists and suggestions as well as criticisms. Keep up to date: http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/accountability/local_and_national_meetings/london.html Ninth, especially if you have formed such a specific interest group, join the group up to the Brentford Community Council so that you can attend meetings and stick your oar in with your views where appropriate. You might consider doing the same with the Brentford Waterside Forum which is of almost equal antiquity. As either a group or as individuals, sign on to the wider Forum of the Thames and Waterways.Tenth, – arm yourself with the relevant documentation, such as I’ve already mentioned, and literally turn up on the new doorstep of BW’s local office, and ask for discussions with you, on what is happening and what you’d like to have happen. For example those ladies concerned at the safety aspect of the warehouses could point out the recommendations in Under Lock & Quay and ask for lighting etc. This procedure is probably best operated on an individual basis, the more individuals the better!Lastly for now, tomorrow night the new “Waterways Commission” will be holding their second meeting at City Hall at 6pm. You can go as an observer without participation (that can only come through the Stakeholder events promised), but you can get to meet the people concerned, especially amongst the other observers, and get to see a way to present your case to those with some small clout. As a group, it is also possible to join up with the Parliamentary Waterways Commission that meets several times a year, and this is an opportunity to present questions in front of MP’s interested in this area.Enough to be getting on with?
Nigel Moore ● 6963d