British Waterways is being run by accountants and property developers Jim. Conserving the canal system is taking second place to what they now see as their prime directive, - making money. This approach has been boosted by the recent drastic grant cuts by DEFRA, an appalling decision that BW use to demonstrate the need for the direction they’ve been taking.I keep trying to tell them that the Parliamentary remit to act in a business like manner and to seek maximisation of receipts exists for the sole purpose of maintaining and improving the system that was placed in their care, but all I get in response is references to the ‘real world’ and practical exigencies.In the past 10 years they have received over £500 million in grants. About the same value placed on their acquired property holdings! The first response to cuts was not to realise part of this portfolio, but to cut staff and claim the necessity of allowing sections of the canal to fall into disrepair. Among those threatened with dismissal (though that is being fought by the personnel involved), are the entire staff of the Freight development division!By the middle of next week we’ll be hearing from their ‘independent expert’ at the Commerce Road Inquiry, who seeks to persuade the Inspector that freight use of the canal here is a dead duck, so why not destroy the last covered trans-shipment wharf.He will also be quoting the lies of BW’s Planning Manager, in claiming that there are quite sufficient boatyard facilities in the area without including Ridgeways.Using the same rationale as with Commerce Road, they see an opportunity for making more money from the basin by installing ‘business barges’ than by supporting boating infrastructure.C’est la guerre.The local 'ground staff' are a different kettle of fish. I received a call on my mobile late last night from a boater in trouble just in from the Thames, who was given my number by the lock-keeper. Must away to attend to her now.
Nigel Moore ● 6756d