News

Overwhelming demand for the reduction of linear moorings

THE poll in narrowboatworld over the week-end, that we ended at 8pm on Monday evening, resulted in 30,317 votes being registered, with an overwhelming number in favour of linear mooring being reduced.

The percentages were 24,858 (82%) in favour of reducing linear moorings and 5,459 (18%) in keeping linear moorings.

A completely independent poll, with no outside influences must surely show British Waterways, what it really already knows, that there is massive feeling against linear moorings cluttering the waterways. 23/09

Reedley Marina opens

THE Annual Pendle Canal Festival on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal also marked the opening of Jason Fildes' new Reedley Marina.

The new marina was prompted with a view to increase visitors to the area, with its emphasis on boosting tourism, with local councillor, Allan Buck, Cabinet Member for Economic Development emphasising:

“With the views it offers over Pendle, I think it’s a magnificent facility and it will really help us boost tourism in the borough. Most of the money going into the marina was private, but it has been brilliantly spent.”

Entertainment on the day was provided by the Nelson Brass Band, local group Twisted Reel and magician Mark Waddington.

The marina has 98 berths with a maximum of 60ft boats. There is a members room, showers and launderette and is complete with a tea room for visitors.

There are only two mooring rates, on two lengths of jetties, with one for up to 50ft boats and the other for up to 60ft boats. There is an extra charge for wide beam boats.Electricity and water is provided but is extra. 23/09

Boaters go nude

BOATERS based in Bradford on Avon, have taken a leaf out of Calendar Girls, by posing nude for their own fundraising calendar.

Before it was even printed 100 copies of the calendar entitled Wouldn't Touch It With a Barge Pole, were sold.

It was Mo Bennie, 49, of Granny Mo's Café in the town who came up with the idea as a way to raise money for the boaters' crisis fund, which helps boaters after incidents similar to the one in May this year when a narrowboat was destroyed in a fire.

Mo explained:

"Everyone had this sort of tacky image in their mind but it's not like that. It has been absolutely brilliant fun and everyone has been so willing and respectful."

She is the calendar's model for March, where she is pictured lying naked on the floor surrounded by cakes and crockery, and a homemade strawberry heart-shaped tart shielding her modesty.

The calendars are now on sale at Granny Mo's and The Lock pub in the town.

[Sorry—no pictures!] 23/09

Back in action—again

ONCE again Fool's Nook Swing Bridge on the Macclesfield Canal is back in action after its failure on Monday.

However, instead of a permanent stoppage as in the past, provision was made for manual operation of the bridge, but for safety reasons, the bridge could not be operated more than once every two hours, with it being worked by British Waterways staff. 23/09

Canalside memories—puzzle of the year

A JIGSAW featuring a narrowboat and a steam train at Chirk has been warded Puzzle of the Year by Ravensburger Puzzles, the country's leading manufacturer of games.

Canalside Memories, a painting featuring a steam train and a narrowboat travelling along the Chirk Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal and Viaduct,, by Trevor Mitchell, won this year’s competition, which is voted for by puzzlers.

The piece was commissioned to be made into a jigsaw by games manufacturer Ravensburger, and enthused Trevor:

“I’m absolutely delighted that my puzzle image has proved so popular with puzzlers up and down the country. The image itself grew out of my enthusiasm for vintage transport, combined with a love of the beautiful countryside around Chirk."

He started working freelance as an artist in 1986 after the advertisement agency where he was creative director went into liquidation.

It wasn't however until 2005 that Ravensburger began to use his paintings for jigsaws and have since commissioned several paintings. He has published his own limited edition fine art prints.

Ravensburger produces six of the country's top ten most popular puzzles. 23/09

Celebrating 25 years

THIS month marks the 25th anniversary of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust, with its members holding a open day at Over Basin, with stalls, vintage cars and model boats.

The basin had recently been restored by the trust, whose work aims to protect the 34 miles of the canal from Gloucester to Hereford city centre.

David Penny, Commercial Director of the trust, enthused:.

"It was such a success. We had so many visitors come along to support us, and even the weather held off until we started packing up."

"What started as a small organisation to help restore parts of the canal has grown into a successful trust with more than 1,300 members, of which we are very proud." 23/09

Generator explosion puts boater in hospital

THE explosion of petrol and fumes in a generator in the bows of a narrowboat caused a fireball to rip through the hull which blew out the windows of the boat and put a man in hospital.

This happened on Tuesday evening, with the 59 years old boater being taken to hospital suffering from burns to his face, arms and feet.

But though the woman on board was able to telephone for an ambulance, it could not get to their boat it being moored away from a road.

The ambulance people went along the towpath from the lock where they were parked to attend to him, then flagged down a passing boat to take him to the ambulance, when he was then taken to hospital.

The woman on the boat was unhurt, being away from the blast which blew out the windows of the boat, which luckily did not catch fire.

The boat was moored near New Marton Locks near St Martins on the Llangollen Canal, three miles West of the junction with the Montgomery Canal. 18/09

Stourbridge breach an attraction

THE breach of the Stourbridge Canal is proving a great attraction to teenagers, who are risking life and limb by climbing over safety barriers erected to keep people out.

Photo: Graham Whorton

A metal fence was erected cutting off the breach, but teenagers and youngsters are climbing onto the trees that were uprooted and lying in the canal bed.

British Waterways Annabel Smith warns:

“We don’t want people hanging around there. The fences have been put there for a reason. We are now putting panelling in the fences so that people cannot see through them."

Thousands of fish released

THE thousands of fish rescued from the water left in the canal after its breach were kept in a nearby lock, but vandal have wound up the paddles allowing the fish back into the drained canal.

Many are now dead with others floundering in the shallow pools left in the canal bed.

They are being rescued again, and taken to another part of the canal. 18/09

Man swims length of Manchester Ship Canal

JAMES Whittaker, a director of Peel Holdings, owners of the Manchester Ship Canal, looks to raise over £100,000 for charity after he completed a 36 miles swim in the Manchester Ship Canal.

His remarkable feat will help the New Children's Hospital Appeal, with the hospital opening next to Manchester Royal Infirmary next year. 18/09

Cash for water voles

A £50,000 grant has been made to the Middle Level Commissioners, who manage the largest section of the Fens, to protect and encourage water voles by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Intensive farming and an increase in the release of mink has led to a decrease in the water vole population.

The commissioners plan to promote a mink control scheme and redevelop vole habitats. 18/09

Too wet for Mercia

THOUGH Mercia Marina on the Trent & Mersey Canal was opened to boats on Saturday 6th September, the official opening this week-end (13th and 14th) has had to be postponed owing to the incessant rain.

No way through Sawley Flood Lock on the Trent

On the opening day the marina had 53 boats moored, with nearly 200 confirmed reservations, but the owners tell us that many of those due to come are stuck in their current marinas owing to the flooding of the Trent and Soar, adding that being on the canal they are not suffering from the same navigational problems.

Thepoor weather has resulted in delays to completion of the sewer line which means that the two pump-outs and three facilities blocks are not yet operational, though the Elsan disposal unit is working and water and electric are available to the berths.

We are told the weather has affected the internal roads and pathways, but once the rain stops and the ground dries these will be put right.

Angler dropped his rod and ran!

ANGLER Drew Hammonds dropped his rod and ran when after great difficulty he wound in his catch to discover an aggressive snapping turtle on the end of his line.

As the turtle's spiky shell emerged from the water, he initially feared the animal was a crocodile and dropped his rod and ran.

The aggressive snapping turtle

It took some time to unhook the turtle, even with the help of other anglers, it being so aggressive.

Conservation groups have blamed pet owners abandoning animals for increasing numbers of foreign turtles and terrapins being found in British waterways.

Another sentenced

A YOUTH, who cannot be named, was given a four and half years prison sentence for manslaughter of Robert Gill, as well as the long sentences for the others involved, as reported in narrowboatworld this week, in the drowning in the River Great Ouse at Bedford.

Sentencing, Judge John Bevan QC criticised the youngsters' families and the pubs and clubs which served them drinks, stating:

"There was at least half an hour of robbery, false imprisonment, bullying, punching, humiliating and terrifying a drunk, naive, harmless, non-aggressive, 17 years old student who soiled himself in fear towards the end of the ordeal.

"There are elements here of parental responsibility, or the lack of it, and also the responsibility of the clubs and pubs in Bedford—in particular the Bricklayers Arms, Midas and New York New York.

"If premises like that put financial gain ahead of the appalling damage they do to youngsters, in particular Robert Gill, they should have a feeling of shame about the events of Boxing Day in Bedford.

"The parents and grandparents, according to Luddington and Downes, also plied them with drink and they must have known that those two were liable to be aggressive in drink."

Rescuing the fish

THE result of the breach on the Stourbridge Canal in addition to all the stranded boats is the stranded fish.

A rescue operation is under way to rescue the fish from the shallow pools left in the canal bottom, with an estimated 2,500 already been saved.

The operation, with the help of volunteers is expected to take a week.

Fancy a schooner?

THE topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia,moored in the Main Basin at Gloucester on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is for sale through R W Davis & Son at Saul.

Being unlicenced, and the owner owing mooring fees, British Waterways served a Section 8 Notice and took possession when no money was forthcoming, and she is now for sale.

Or perhaps a tug?

THE tug Kennet, which has for many years been based at the National Waterways Museum, is also for sale, following the death of her owner who loaned her to the museum.

Again, the sale is through R W Davis & Son at Saul.

Man charged with double murder of boaters

A MAN has been charged with the double murder of two boaters on board the narrowboat Secret in the early hours of Sunday morning.

William Cranston, 43, is accused of stabbing to death Kay Morton, 39, and Paul Wilkins, 53, on board the boat as it was moored on the Grand Union Canal at Stoke Hammond.

He appeared at Aylesbury Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday), where he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

An application for bail was refused and he was remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court on the 22nd September.

The waterway that was closed by the police, has now reopened.

Possibility of a new marina to connect the Grantham Canal

THE present watersports centre at Holme Pierrepont on the Trent, which is a great attraction for boaters, is to have £9m spent on the facility.

If after four years the centre becomes financially solvent, further plans include turning the current Ski Lagoon into a marina, which could be linked with the disused Grantham Canal.

The new facility will have England's first indoor surfing machines, with the southern area of the regatta lake becoming an extreme sports zone, including two indoor surfing machines called FlowRiders, which jet a thin but fast stream of water up a curved, springy membrane in the shape of a wave.

A large changing area will also be housed in the new building as well as a cafe/restaurant.

Seven hundred metres of the southern part of the regatta lake will be cordoned off for recreational watersports such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The northern part of the lake, a stretch of 1,300 metres, will be used by athletes.

Life sentence for river murderers

TWO teenagers have been convicted of murdering a student who was beaten and thrown into the River Great Ouse at Bedford have been given life sentences.

Sean Downes and Thomas Luddington, from Bedford, were convicted of the murder of Robert Gill, 17, (pictured) who was later discovered in the river in the town.

Sean Downes, 19, was told he would serve a minimum of 17 years and Thomas Luddington, 18, must serve 18 years.

Glow disks for towpath cyclists

DISKS that glow in the dark are being evaluated by British Waterways and Sustrans for towpaths and cycle tracks.

Named, Traxeye, the disks which are designed to be embedded in surface of the towpath contain the photo luminescent compound GS2000, which after just eight minutes of normal daylight they will glow for up to 12 hours..

Each Traxeye is fitted with a specially capped nail that should avoid punctures and protect the product from vandals Each unit costs £2.99 each, plus of course the cost of fitting and all it entails.

British Waterways are paying for the units to be installed as a trial on the towpath of the Fossdyke. 400 are needed per kilometre.

Erewash flies Olympic flag

A ROUND 5,000 people visited the Erewash Canal Festival which saw the raising of the London 2012 Olympic flag at Trent Lock.

The crowd gathered for the symbolic ceremony—which coincided with the handing over of the Olympic flag to the Mayor of London during the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games.

The local council had received two special Olympic flags from the London 2012 organisers, and will fly them above the borough's two town halls, in Long Eaton and Ilkeston, to celebrate the UK's hosting of the next Olympic Games.

Huddersfield Narrow drained again.

HUDDERSFIELD Narrow Canal between locks 10Wand 11W at Mossley has been drained, and was out of use for 36 hours earlier this week.

It is not known whether poachers or vandals were responsible for fully opening the lower lock paddles and draining the canal.

British Waterways Ian Moody believes that poachers could have been responsible, draining the canal to get the fish, telling that it has happened before.

Though there are anti vandal locks on the gates, these are easily overcome. There are no plans for any security on the canal.

Environment Agency started an annual boat licence purge

FOLLOWING in British Waterways' footsteps in its endeavours to stamp-out unlicenced boats, the Environment Agency has started an annual boat licence check, and is sending out its staff to find unlicenced boats on its waterways.

And it means business, for relates River Inspector Roy Smith:

"Anyone trying to evade paying may well get caught and taken to court. It is a requirement for boats to have a current certificate and registration number while on the waterways."

"It is an offence not to display a current boat certificate and registration number at all times."

The agency promises that money from the sale of boat licences is used to fund vital maintenance works to repair and improve the waterways.

Canalside 'village' planned for Chesterfield Canal

URBO Regeneration, in a joint venture with the Arnold Laver Group has achieved planning permission for its £300 million urban village by the derelict Chesterfield Canal, in the town.

The first phase, which will come as no surprise, is planning approval for the creation of a new canal basin which will is hoped will form the terminus of the canal should it ever be restored.

Construction is expected to start on site in October following assessment of tender submissions from shortlisted contractors. Work should be completed by March 2009.

However, there will be no boats in the basin as the Chesterfield Canal still has the Norwood Tunnel and the completely derelict Norwood Flight preventing navigation.

Museum wants canal memories

THE London Canal Museum, at Battlebridge Basin on the Regent's Canal wants to record residents' views for its oral history archive, exhibitions and for future generations.

People who lived or worked on the London canals with a story to tell are being sought to document their memories for the museum.

Waterbus to Bugsworth

FUNDING has been secured from East Midlands Development Agency for British Waterways to manage a waterbus service between Whaley Bridge and Bugsworth Basin on the Peak Forest Canal.

However a boat owning operator is being sought for the two year project commencing in Spring next year.

British Waterways North West External Funding Officer, Nick Smith, explains:

“The service is initially based on a fixed price contract covering the full operating costs of the service over the first two years. This trial period will show if the project is commercially viable, and if so, the waterbus can become a permanent fixture."

More money for Liverpool

STILL more cash is being poured into the Liverpool Waterfront project, with a further £1.9 millions being invested from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

The money is being allocated for the second phase of the Waterfront Connections project, providing visitor attractions at Kings Waterfront, the Albert Dock, Mann Island, the Pier Head and Princes Dock.

Part of the work will included construction of mooring facilities at Salthouse Dock for boats entering the south docks via the new Leeds &/Liverpool Canal link.

Other work includes lighting, seating, public art and a pedestrian link across Pier Head.

Lock notices need planning permission

INCREASING the costs still further, British Waterways have discovered that many of cill warning notices, need planning permission.

This is because many locks are protected structures, so temporary notices are being affixed until planning permission is granted, with the application usually fastened onto a nearby tree. Local Press advertising is also required. 01/09

Photo: Roger Fox

Temporary sign (now missing!) from the battered lock beam of Big Lock at Middlewich on the Trent & Mersey

Body was Alvechurch Marina worker

THE body of Stephen Allcock recovered from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal by Alvechurch Marina, was a worker at the marina.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out but police still cannot establish the cause of death, which is being treated as unexplained. Further tests are taking place. 01/09

The rescue

Photo: Frank Hurst

The yacht grounded on the Weaver, as reported in narrowboatworld, being hauled off

Don't want canal bridges to open for boats

COUNCILLORS in Inverness have urged British Waterways to listen to the views of local people on canal bridges in the city, and not open them to allow boats to pass.

Inverness West councillors Pauline Munro and Alex Graham announced that the next ward forum for their area would focus on the independent review being carried out into when the Tomnahurich and Muirtown bridges in the city should and should not be opened to boats using the canal.

Pauline Munro explained:

“The Caledonian Canal plays an extremely important role in Inverness and there is great potential in developing that role but to do so, the issues surrounding the bridges and their impact on road traffic in the city have to be addressed.

“Currently, there is traffic congestion affecting Kenneth Street and Glenurquhart Road in and out of town due to the canal bridges.”

The existing protocol is a voluntary arrangement between British Waterways Scotland and Highland Council to govern opening times at the Muirtown and Tomnahurich bridges over the Caledonian Canal.

But local people do not want the bridges opening too often, and want definite shorter opening times for boats.

This will be decided at a meeting in late September, at which British Waterways have confirmed a representative will be in attendance. 01/09

Leeds & Liverpool Canal walk raises £1,000

ROSEMARY Moulson has completed the 127 miles walk along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in seven days with her friends and work colleagues from St Joseph's School at Ingrow, Lynne Los and Sandra Hannon.

From the left, Sandra Hannon, Lynne Los and Rosemary Moulson

They have raised £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease charity, and for Rosemary it was an emotional walk as her husband, who suffered from the disease was to have done it himself, but died two years ago before he could take on the challenge.

Premier Inns gave the team three nights' accommodation and breakfast free of charge and SA Labels in Oakworth had stickers printed with a phone number for people to call and donate money. 01/09

Development agreement for Aylesbury

A DEVELOPMENT agreement has been signed for the multi-million pound Waterside Shopping proposal in Aylesbury by the side of Aylesbury Arm.

The partnership for the retail regeneration project is with Aylesbury Vale District Council and Warner Estate, with Debenhams being the confirmed department store for the retail element of the scheme.

Waterside Shopping will contain around 30 shops and a food store as well as new restaurants and cafes. Included within the proposal is a new public space in front of the theatre, and new homes around the canal basin. 01/09

Camden should recognise the importance of its waterway

FOLLOWING the launch of the Camden Council's High Street consultation, Del Brenner, Secretary of the Regent's Network, wants the council to take into account the importance of the Regent's Canal and particularly the lock which is in the centre of Camden Town.

Camden Lock on the Regent's Canal

He believes its importance has been neglected by town planners, and would like to see the canal area incorporated into the plan for Camden Town.

A long campaigner for the waterway, Del explains:

"It is a tourist attraction in itself. As soon as a canal boat comes through the lock, lines of people come to watch it. It is also a haven for people to come and eat and relax.

"There needs to be some sort of masterplan for Camden Town. There doesn't seem to be any particular strategy, just lots of ideas floating around. Also, the cobbled access ramp to the canal near the Canal Market should be re-opened to the public. It has been boarded up since the fire. It should also be brought into the plan."

At the moment the council is focussing on the area of the town from Camden High Street north of the Tube station, but a spokesman related that as the consultation doesn't close until the 15th September, other views can be taken into account. 27/08

The end for Oliver Cromwell Cruises

THIS season will be the last that the hotel boat Oliver Cromwell will be seen cruising the Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, as costs are proving too expensive, particularly that of diesel, the large boat being somewhat 'thirsty'.

Instead, her owners are hoping to turn her into a floating hotel in Gloucester Docks, and intend to apply for planning permission for this purpose. 27/08

Boat stuck in Weaver

THE boat Adventurine of Skye was stuck in the Weaver at Northwich for two days when it ran aground on an unexpected sandbank in the river, causing worry to boaters as it was virtually in the middle of the river.

It was heavy rain that washed a large amount of silt from the Dane into the Weaver immediately below the confluence of the two rivers and quickly built up into a sandbank.

The boat became quite an attraction for passers by after she was stuck just past Town Bridge, on Thursday. 27/08

British Waterways' latest—water taxi service

TEN canoes and kayaks have been licensed by British Waterways to operate on the Regent's Canal and Paddington Arm as a form of taxi service, which started last week-end.

The service is operated along the whole length of the two waterways, and costs £50 an hour including the 'driver'.

A passenger can book the water taxis online and will get either a two seater canoe or kayak, with the service running from April to October.

Thames River Adventures Director, Danny Gillard, explained:

"Our guides are British Canoe Union qualified instructors and if passengers want to have a go themselves, we are happy to teach them. We have plans to design our very own gondola for the inland waterways."

Louise Fishleigh, Leisure Development Manager for British Waterways London, added:

"Rickshaws have proved extremely popular in the West End and there's no reason why this waterway equivalent can't be just as successful.

"There are lots of ways of enjoying London's waterways and we hope that this scheme will add a new dimension." 27/08

Loxwood residents divided

THOUGH the restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal has often been featured in narrowboatworld, all is not harmony in the village of Loxwood, where the new bridge was recently opened for the waterway.

Many get upset at being told that the restoration of the canal is the key to their survival, seeing it as continued upheaval, with traffic chaos, ruined landscapes and lumps of concrete, mourning the loss of their walks.

Villages point out that most of the restoration trust members engaged on the current bridge project do not even live in Loxwood.

The latest project by the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, whose eventual aim is to restore the whole of the 23 miles waterway, was the tunnel under Loxwood's main road through the village, which has caused severe disruption for six months. At the start the road was closed for five days.

When villagers were told the completed waterway will bring tourism, they complain that just means even more cars. They don't believe their shops will benefit because they are quite a walk from the canal.

Loxwood farmer, Peter Foulger, Chairman of the trust, with the canal running through much of his land rejoined:

"Whatever you think of it, it's a huge achievement. It's really exciting and the biggest thing the trust has ever been involved in. I think it will bring good to the village, you need something vibrant to keep a village alive—you need pubs and attractions."

"We have never felled trees when it was not necessary and we have replanted trees and a hedge— we have put back as much as we have taken. There has been a lot of disturbance at Loxwood, but nature will come back and it will look good." 27/08

Vandal believed to have polluted the Rochdale Canal

EVIRONMENT Agency officials have now concluded their investigation into the pollution of the Rochdale Canal at Chadderton, and believe a vandal was responsible for its pollution.

The officers believe a herbicide, found in the canal, which killed fish and plant life, was poured into the water via a road drain, by an individual possibly acting alone.

The drain that was traced as the source of the pollution enters the canal under the Causeway, off Oldham Broadway Business Park, in Chadderton.

Though it was initially estimated that 4,000 fish had been killed, that figure rose to more than 15,000 in 24 hours.

A spokesman explained:

"We’ve followed a number of leads off the back of test results, but these have proved inconclusive. We now believe an individual could be responsible for this. We believe somebody may have come along and dumped the herbicide down the drain undetected."

Roach, perch and pike were found dead in the canal between locks 64 and 83 on Saturday 19th July.

Samples taken from the watercourse and results from fish post-mortems revealed that a herbicide had entered the water and affected the 1.5 mile stretch of canal. 22/08

Jumping at Gas Street Basin

IT IS only a matter of time, local boaters believe, before one of those, fuelled by drink, jumping across the gap in the waterway at Gas Street Basin comes to grief.

Many of them fail to leap the seven feet gap, just falling short, and either landing in the canal or hitting the wall.

A couple of narrowboat residents state that they are often woken up by the shouts of the drunks who have tried and failed to jump the gap, as many of them fail, mistaking the width.

They are now asking British Waterways to erect a safety fence near the water’s edge to stop people attempting to leap across the water.

The chairman of the Worcester Bar Residents Association, told he had been complaining about the problem for four years. 22/08

A bit expensive

IF YOU are wondering why so many canalside developments are remaining empty, the cost of a two bedroom apartment at the recently built 'Lockhouse' at Camden may give some idea— a cool £2,500 a month!

Though built primarily for investors, the downturn has meant that there is now a lack of takers, so developers are now targetting owner-occupiers.

The Lockhouse comprises one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, many with balconies or terraces overlooking either the canal or the split-level landscaped courtyard, with many still for sale, with prices at the Lockhouse for one bedroom apartments starting at £330,000, two-bedroom apartments from £499,000 and three-bedroom apartments from £895,000.

Clampdown on canal drinkers

DRINKERS by the Lancaster Canal in the city, are being targeted by police after public concerns of anti-social and intimidating behaviour by a group of individuals on the towpath.

Several people have been arrested, fines handed out for drinking in a public area and several people handed a Direction to Leave notice, banning them from returning to the canal for at least 48 hours.

Police Sergeant Hamlett remarked:

"We will always take positive action when we come across people drinking on the canal.towpath, and we have made several arrests recently and handed out a number of fines and direction to leave notices and seized alcohol.

"But we are also looking at other sustainable measures such as targeting local off-licences known to serve the regular offenders and working closely with other agencies such as British Waterways to help reduce the problems. 22/08

Police investigate sexual attack on girl

A 12 YEARS old girl was sexually assaulted as she cycled along a canal towpath which runs into Sonning.

She was cycling with a friend near Wokingham Canoe Club by the Thames, when she was stopped by a man on a bicycle.

He touched her inappropriately and then asked her to go in the woods with him, but then rode off in the direction of Reading when a woman passing by stepped in between them.

The attacker is described as black, aged approximately in his forties, of average build, with a shaved head and was speaking in what is believed to be a Jamaican accent.

He has a distinctive gold tooth and was wearing a dark blue short-sleeved shirt with a cannabis leaf logo or design and light blue jeans. 22/08

Warning notices

WARNING notices are being put up on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal after after a series of six indecent exposures.

Police are putting up the warnings in the areas following six indecent exposures in that area over the past six months.

The police are responsible for the notices, which have been placed by the towpath around Daventry, Watford, Welton, Whilton and Braunston.

Every time a white man, in his 40s or 50s, with grey/silver swept back thin hair, of average height and build, has exposed himself to people on the towpath, though he has never approached any of the people he exposed himself to. 22/08

Jumping at Gas Street Basin

IT IS only a matter of time, local boaters believe, before one of those, fuelled by drink, jumping across the gap in the waterway at Gas Street Basin comes to grief.

Many of them fail to leap the seven feet gap, just falling short, and either landing in the canal or hitting the wall.

A couple of narrowboat residents state that they are often woken up by the shouts of the drunks who have tried and failed to jump the gap, as many of them fail, mistaking the width.

They are now asking British Waterways to erect a safety fence near the water’s edge to stop people attempting to leap across the water.

The chairman of the Worcester Bar Residents Association, told he had been complaining about the problem for four years. 22/08

A bit expensive

IF YOU are wondering why so many canalside developments are remaining empty, the cost of a two bedroom apartment at the recently built 'Lockhouse' at Camden may give some idea— a cool £2,500 a month!

Though built primarily for investors, the downturn has meant that there is now a lack of takers, so developers are now targetting owner-occupiers.

The Lockhouse comprises one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, many with balconies or terraces overlooking either the canal or the split-level landscaped courtyard, with many still for sale, with prices at the Lockhouse for one bedroom apartments starting at £330,000, two-bedroom apartments from £499,000 and three-bedroom apartments from £895,000.

Clampdown on canal drinkers

DRINKERS by the Lancaster Canal in the city, are being targeted by police after public concerns of anti-social and intimidating behaviour by a group of individuals on the towpath.

Several people have been arrested, fines handed out for drinking in a public area and several people handed a Direction to Leave notice, banning them from returning to the canal for at least 48 hours.

Police Sergeant Hamlett remarked:

"We will always take positive action when we come across people drinking on the canal.towpath, and we have made several arrests recently and handed out a number of fines and direction to leave notices and seized alcohol.

"But we are also looking at other sustainable measures such as targeting local off-licences known to serve the regular offenders and working closely with other agencies such as British Waterways to help reduce the problems. 22/08

Police investigate sexual attack on girl

A 12 YEARS old girl was sexually assaulted as she cycled along a canal towpath which runs into Sonning.

She was cycling with a friend near Wokingham Canoe Club by the Thames, when she was stopped by a man on a bicycle.

He touched her inappropriately and then asked her to go in the woods with him, but then rode off in the direction of Reading when a woman passing by stepped in between them.

The attacker is described as black, aged approximately in his forties, of average build, with a shaved head and was speaking in what is believed to be a Jamaican accent.

He has a distinctive gold tooth and was wearing a dark blue short-sleeved shirt with a cannabis leaf logo or design and light blue jeans. 22/08

Warning notices

WARNING notices are being put up on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal after after a series of six indecent exposures.

Police are putting up the warnings in the areas following six indecent exposures in that area over the past six months.

The police are responsible for the notices, which have been placed by the towpath around Daventry, Watford, Welton, Whilton and Braunston.

Every time a white man, in his 40s or 50s, with grey/silver swept back thin hair, of average height and build, has exposed himself to people on the towpath, though he has never approached any of the people he exposed himself to. 22/08

Canalside flour mill destroyed

A FLOUR mill by the side of the canal in Wolverhampton has been totally destroyed by fire.

The old JN Miller Ltd mill was destined to be part of Wolverhampton’s canalside regeneration, and turned into flats.

At the height of the blaze there were 15 fire engines on the scene, with water being pumped from the canal to tackle the blaze.,

The grade two listed building, beside being turned into flats, was to have another 212 homes on the site.

The fire started at around 8pm on Saturday and firefighters were still on the scene the following morning, with trains stopped from using the nearby rail station for long periods.

The flour mill was rebuilt after a previous fire in1851, but had been empty since 1981 when Miller’s closed down. 21/08

New beam at last

Well past its sell-by date

A NEW balance beam has been fitted to the bottom gate of Lock 10 of the Curdworth Flight, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. A big thanks to all concerned, writes Ralph Freeman.

That's better

Fourth drowning in Coventry Canal

A WOMAN discovered in the Coventry Canal this week was the fourth drowning in the city in just over a year.

Police are appealing to anyone who saw a woman at 2pm on Monday on the towpath of the Coventry Canal close to Longford Square, to contact them.

The 57 years old woman was found by two local boaters who were on their narrowboat on the canal.

The police are treating the woman's death as unexplained. 21/08

Dead dog in suitcase by the Ashton

A DOG, seemingly left to die in a suitcase on the towpath of the Ashton Canal in Manchester, was discovered by the RSPCA after being alerted by a towpath walker.

The RSPCA inspectors made the discovery at Lock 16 at Openshaw, where they found a dead Staffordshire bull terrier in a silver suitcase, embossed with the logo `Beverley Hills Polo Club'.

Inspectors say the female animal appeared to be in good bodily condition and had no signs of injury.

RSPCA Inspector Natalie Avery, who attended the incident was at a loss to explain what happened:

"This is a shocking and unusual incident. The dog seemed in a good, healthy condition which suggests she may have once belonged to someone.

"It's difficult to tell whether the dog was dead or alive when she was abandoned. Because of the way she was enclosed in the suitcase, it's clear this wasn't an accident." 21/08

New navigation guides from the Environment Agency

SEVEN new guides have been published by the Environment Agency, covering the rivers Ancholme, Welland and Glen, Nene, Great Ouse, and the Stour, as well as two updated guides on Boating the Right Way and Enjoying Safer Boating.

The guides include maps of the rivers, as well as essential information on how to navigate safely along them. All of the navigation guides are on the Environment Agency website and available to download from www.fenswaterways.com 21/08

Sea Otter back in production

A NEW company has been formed to produce the aluminium Sea Otter boats at the same Staveley factory as the one that went into liquidation in May, as reported in narrowboatworld.

Sea Otter factory at Staveley

The new company has been named Sea Otter and resurrected as a partnership by Paul Hobson, Matthew Cowan and Anthony Hobson, all of whom were part of the management of the previous company.

It is expected the new concern will continue building the range of its narrowboats from the factory, though its workforce has been reduced from 21 to 12.

When the old company went into liquidation, there was only one unfinished boat, which the directors purchased back, and finished for the customer. 14/08

Not such a dream cottage

THE problem with living in a 'dream cottage' by the side of the canal is that it is so isolated that large items cannot be delivered by road.

The couple Keith and Iris Cockett, living by the Bridgewater Canal near Warrington found to their cost that the store from which they bought their kitchen units could not get its vehicle down the track to their cottage, so agreed to deliver it by water instead.

The store delivered the whole assembly to the towpath, and then the couple's neighbour agreed to load it all on his narrowboat and take it to the cottage, with the fitting team then taking it into the building and doing the installation. 14/08

Green Trent

GOING green' is the 'in' thing at the moment, but the Trent at Stone really was green, after a dye had been tipped into the river.

Residents in the town contacted the Environment Agency after the Trent changed colour.

Photo: John Pearson

The Trent at the canoe course, and very pretty!

Samples were taken, but it was shown to be a water-based dye that was not harmful to fish. The agency is attempting to discover who dumped the dye into the river. 14/08

New repair to troubled canal lock

AFTER being closed for six days after safety concerns forced it to close for a second time, Crinan Sea Lock is once again open for passage of boats.

The structure was closed for two weeks on 19 July after a bond failed between the concrete cill and the lock floor. Though it re-opened for one day for several hours, it was closed again after concerns surfaced about other parts of the lock.

British Waterways believe that a second temporary repair had resolved short-term safety issues. A major repair will be undertaken in winter. 14/08

179 people drowned

FIGURES just released show that 179 people drowned in the inland waterways during 2005, and it is believed this is on the increase.

With this in mind the Environment Agency is urging youngsters to treat the waterways with respect, and be aware of the dangers posed by jumping off bridges and weirs, and into the cold water of locks.

Andrew Graham, Waterways Operation Manager, warned:

“Water claims the lives of more than 50 children a year. In fact, drowning is the third most common accidental death among Britain’s under 16s, behind road accidents and house fires." 14/08

Troubled canal lock closes again

ONCE again the sea lock on the Crinan Canal is out of action, with divers being called in again to asses its safety concerns, and so is closed to boats.

This was just hours after re-opening following concerns about its safety. The lock had been closed for two weeks to repair a failed bond between the concrete cill and the lock floor. Though it is believed this repair held, there are now concerns about other parts of the lock.

British Waterways Scotland issued the notice:

"As public safety is at the forefront of our operations, British Waterways Scotland has taken the decision to close the lock once again to minimise any risk.

"We will not be accepting vessels through the Crinan Canal, certainly for the next few days." 07/08

Broadbeam wider

FROM original stated standard of any boat over 2.1 metres (6ft 10ins) being classed as broadbeam, British Waterways has given way to pressure and have now set the standard as 2.3 metres (7ft).

Laurence Hogg tells this was the result of comments made to British Waterways and evidence of boats being built to over 7ft in the past.

He was then informed:

'The purpose of consulting on proposals is to tease out relevant issues, big or small. We are happy to accept the amendment and set the width boundary at 2.3m as suggested, and thank those responsible for drawing it to our attention'.

So British Waterways obviously do listen. 23/09

Open at last

A GREAT deal of money was spent on the old stable block at Saul on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal by British Waterways, yet is had remained empty for years.

But now it has been opened as a café, as was originally intended, prompted by the opening of the nearby marina.

It is open seven days a week and offers a range of snacks and light meals. 23/09

Will it or won't it?

DURING 2006 an application was made to Harborough District Council for a 177 boat marina at Theddingworth on the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal, which was refused, the reason given:

'The development would not be situated close to existing settlements or established moorings and by virtue of its siting, form and scale would adversely affect the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside and would therefore be contrary to Local Plan Policy.

Then Burgess & Son and Mr M Goode re-applied, but on the 8th June of this year this too was refused.

Yet British Waterways advised a remarkable stoppage of six weeks for Theddingworth Marina connection.

Then on the 22nd of this month British Waterways announced the stoppage was cancelled... 23/09

Strange messages from Waterscrape

THERE was a batch of very strange stoppage notices from Waterscrape on Monday morning a few of you have told us:

Theddingworth Marina. Monday 3 November 2008 - Friday 12 December 2008. Marina connection. This third party stoppage/restriction has been cancelled.

Flint Hill Farm, Yelvertoft. Monday 3 November 2008 - Friday 12 December 2008. Marina connection. Update 22.09.2008 This third party stoppage/restriction has been cancelled.

Yarnton, Oxford. Monday 3 November 2008 - Friday 12 December 2008. Marina connection. Update 22.09.2008 This third party stoppage/restriction has been cancelled. 23/09

Brings out the sights

IT SEEMS the recent fairly warm weather brings out all the sights—including a naked man on the Erewash Canal towpath in Long Eaton.

Police were alerted at Trent Lock as a man was seen calmly walking along the towpath, with a woman from a moored boat calling the police. 23/09

Wireless broadband for Scottish waterways

BOATERS on Scotland's waterways are now able to get broadband Wi-fi at thirteen canalside locations after an agreement between BT Openzone and British Waterways Scotland.

The coverage includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Union and Forth & Clyde canals, giving a good internet service, that have previously have been known to experience patchy mobile reception.

Richard Millar from British Waterways Scotland said:

"We are pleased to be able to offer our customers this additional service at various locations on our canals. These new services will greatly benefit everyone who visits, lives or works close to the canal.

"The introduction of high speed Internet access across Scotland’s canals further demonstrates our commitment to making Scottish canals accessible to all and is part of an on–going strategy to open up the canals to more users. These Wi-If hotspots will widen the opportunities the canal has to offer our users and services we provide." 23/09

Lorry damages canal bridge

A LORRY crashing into Broughton Lane Bridge over the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal has severely damaged it, with it being closed to traffic.

It is however still open for boats. 23/09

More problems on the Mon & Brec

IN ADDITION to last year's breach on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, a culvert between bridge 82 and 83 is showing concern.

A length of the waterways is now dewatered to allow further investigation during this week. 18/09

Carbon Monoxide alarm recall

THE Boat Safety Scheme is alerting anyone with a Jo-El carbon monoxide alarm to check the article and model numbers. The UK supplier is recalling its Carbon Monoxide Detector Model COA – 001 Article 822611 due to a possible malfunction.

The supplier has issued a recall statement saying it may not alarm in the presence of concentrations of Carbon Monoxide. The possible problem, relates to this model reference only and no other Jo-El branded goods are affected.

Anyone owning such a unit is strongly urged to remove the unit from service immediately and return it to where the item was purchased, where a full refund will be given according to the Jo-El Electric Ltd.

The Boat Safety Scheme believes that carbon monoxide alarms can give a degree of reassurance, but boat owners should try to reduce the risk of the toxic gas being produced and use carbon monoxide alarms in a back-up role. 18/09

Black Country Festival

MANY people enjoyed the real Black Country Boating Festival, the 23rd, which was held at Windmill End in Netherton, with an estimated 4,500 visitors attending the event over last week-end.

The success of this year’s show was made all the more remarkable following the breach at Stourbridge canal the previous weekend, which prevented many narrowboats from making the trip.

In addition to 94 narrowboats, people were treated to live music from brass bands, a craft marquee, real ale and a host of charity stalls.

It is estimated that the show, which gives local charities a platform, has helped raise around £500,000 for local good causes. 18/09

E-fit of towpath attacker released

AN E-FIT of an attacker of a woman walking on the towpath in Sparkhill in Birmingham has been issued, showing a person in his late teens.

The 22 years old victim was subjected to a sexual attack by a man described as Asian, 15 to 20 years old and of chubby build, wearing camouflage trousers and a hooded top.

The attack however happened last September, and the police admit the man's appearance could have altered. The E-fit was issued as it is the anniversary of the attack, and the police hope it will jog someone's memory. 18/09

Drunks rescued from flooding Soar

TWO men had to be rescued from the Soar by firefighters that was in flood owing to the recent heavy rains.

This was at Blackfriars in Leicester, and two specialised technical rescue teams from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue were called out to attend the scene.

It is not known why the men went into the water, but eyewitnesses reported seeing one of the men stripping off to his underwear and jumping in before the other man followed him in.

One of the men had to be pulled out of the swollen river and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The second man however became aggressive and threatening towards the firefighters and ambulance staff, and was arrested by police at the scene for being drunk and disorderly.

A half empty bottle of whisky was found near the scene. 18/09

Nowhere to go

Alan Beatie marooned after the breach on the Stourbridge Canal

Increasing canal crime prompts police response

THE level of crime on the canals of Derbyshire has prompted the police to launch a scheme to show boaters how to report problems and crimes relating to canals and towpaths.

This is in the form of an information pack, with the launch chosen to coincide with the opening of the Mercia Marina on the Trent & Mersey Canal..

PC Chris Fearn explained:

"This is a great initiative for members of the Derbyshire boating community who can be vulnerable on occasions."

"By being members of the scheme people can keep up to date with relevant information relating to safety on the local waterways and they also have a channel of communication for reporting crimes against boats and waterway-related problems."

New swing bridge for the Leeds & Liverpool

A NEW modern swing bridge will be built to replace the old one that itself was replaced by a high footbridge.

This is part of the plan for a new Tesco supermarket that is being built at the old Lanstar site, which will also see landscaping at both sides of the canal, including new shrubs and trees as well as improvements to footpaths.

The new swing bridge is aimed at complimenting the Tesco store and other businesses as well as providing crossing access for disabled people.

British Waterways apologises

REGULAR walkers along the Lee Navigation towpath, without any warning, found their way blocked at Amwell Lock at Ware.

Though work was required to the towpath, walkers were prevented from using it as a Transit van was blocking the way, with one walker telling she had been using it for 19 years.

The subsequent complaints prompted a letter from British Waterways' London General Manager, Simon Bamford:

"Essential maintenance in the surrounding area is needed from time to time, and British Waterways requests that notices are put in place, and where safe and possible to do so, access is maintained for pedestrians at all times.

"I would like to apologise to the walkers who have been affected by this work."

You can't have the carp

WITH carp being traditionally very popular amongst Polish workers, many are being taken from the rivers and canals, and even canals drained to get at the fish.

There is a nationwide campaign, with the Environment Agency putting up signs in Polish asking people to stop stealing the fish, in addition to the normal one shown here..

Carp has protected status in Britain but is regarded as a Christmas delicacy in Poland.

Have your say on the Rochdale

IF YOU have any ideas for improving the Rochdale Canal and its surroundings, you are invited to attend a meeting next month as part of the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance programme.

Co-ordinator Louise Harrison explains:

"The information gathered will be used to generate ideas about what is needed to improve and develop the largest and possibly the most beautiful linear park in Calderdale."

The meeting is at St Michael's Church Hall, Mytholmroyd, from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, 19th October, for people to attach ideas to a map of the canal, that covers the area between Sowerby Bridge and Walsden.

Who left this dog?

BEING in the position it was left, it is believed it could have been a boater who discarded a dog that was purposely wedged in a lock ladder so that it couldn't escape drowning, should the lock be filled by an unsuspecting fellow boater.

Luckily a towpath walker heard the dog whimpering and struggling to escape, and immediately rang the RSPCA who called on fire fighters to rescue the terrier from where it had been wedged in a BCN lock.

RSPCA officers are now searching for the owner of a dog, which is being cared for at an animal centre.

Tim Scott, an RSPCA inspector revealed:

"The dog was found shivering with extreme cold and had scuffed its nails trying to escape. He was actually jammed in the bottom rung of the ladder leading out of the canal, and he obviously had been trying to get out himself because he's injured the bottom of his paws.

"If he'd stayed there any longer he could have been in trouble and could have got hypothermia or possibly even drowned."

Build-to-let chairman resigns

THE Chairman of Lend Lease Europe, that specialises in developments for lease, has resigned, believed because of the drastic downturn in people buying properties to let.

With a colleague, he succeeded in winning Lend Lease selection as the developer for Stratford’s Olympic Village, and was a keen promoter of the property industry creating a serious `build-to-let’ market in the country, including waterside developments that are no longer selling.

He is an advisor to British Waterways' property arm.

Favourite view

Actor Kevin Spacey has named his favourite view in England to be that of the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bradford on Avon.

Kevin hired a narrowboat last year and cruised the canal, enjoying himself at every pub along the way.

He picked the spot as his favourite British countryside view as part of a new campaign to protect the countryside and British Waterways' urge to get visitors to the waterways, with his comments featured in the Sunday Times Magazine last weekend.

He commented:

"Boating on a canal is a great way to watch the world drift by, and it's a lot more relaxing— if a little faster perhaps—than travelling through the streets of London.

"What better way is there to experience the spectacular Avoncliff aqueduct in Wiltshire and the nature that surrounds this man-made canal."

He caused a stir in local pub the Cross Guns when he was spotted having Sunday lunch in the beer garden overlooking the aqueduct last summer, but gave the staff a signed photo of himself as a memento.

Awards for canal rescue

A POLICE officer who saved a woman from drowning in the Leeds & Liverpool Canal has received three awards.

PC Peter Gannon jumped into the waterway to rescue the woman who was submerged in the near-freezing water at Bootle in December last year.

He received a commendation for exemplary bravery from Merseyside Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe at a special ceremony. At the same time he was also presented with a parchment on behalf of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, which is the highest accolade given by the organisation.

At the rescue, the woman had stopped breathing, so Peter lifted her over his head out of the water and gave her mouth to mouth resuscitation.

However he suffered hypothermia and toxic poisoning from the canal.

The woman he saved made a full recovery following the incident.

Gas 'fridge caused boat explosion

THOUGH not a narrowboat fire, the one at Pwllheli Harbour last week-end was caused by a gas refrigerator, which left the boater with severe burns to his face, arms and feet as he escaped the blaze.

The North Wales Fire Service stated the blaze was started when an adhesive caught fire as it was being applied to the catamaran close to the gas 'fridge.

The man and woman on board were picked up from a small dinghy by Pwllheli inshore lifeboat before being treated at the harbour by paramedics. The man is still in hospital, but the woman escaped unhurt.

Bio-degradable soaps

THE changes to British Waterways licence terms and conditions come into effect this month, with one of them being the use of bio-degradable soaps and detergents when discharging used water into the canals.

Historic canalside mill to become apartments

THE Grade II listed Tolstons Mill by the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal at Fazeley could be turned into apartments if the application for planning is passed by Lichfield District Council.

Tolson's Mill by the junction with the Coventry Canal

The mill was built in the 1880s and is part of the Fazeley Conservation Area, and is earmarked for conversion into 52 apartments, with three new blocks built alongside incorporating a further 34 flats. Development would involve demolition of all modern buildings on the site and part demolition of the Mill House.

The Victorian Society is broadly supportive of the scheme, but objects to the substantial demolition of the detached building.

And the Ancient Monuments Society has strongly objected to the proposed demolition, which would see only the building’s front facade retained.

Youths with axes on the towpath

YOUTHS with axes threatened a 13 years old boy as he walked the Huddersfield Broad Canal towpath, robbing him.

The boy was riding his bicycle along the canal towpath towards Huddersfield off Leeds Road, Bradley Mills, yesterday lunchtime when he was stopped by two youths.

He was threatened by one of the youths wielding an axe, and made to give up his cash and mobile phone.

Two women attacked on towpath

TWO women were brutally attacked on Friday evening in two separate incidents as they walked along the Grand Union Canal towpath at Apsley.

One was reported to have been hit with a bottle, sexually assaulted and robbed, whilst another was punched to the ground. Both needed hospital treatment.

However, the second attacker received more than he expected, for two other towpath walkers came to the woman's rescue, chasing the attacker and cornering him whilst the police arrived, and he was subsequently arrested.

In the case of the first attack, a man approached the woman and offered her a drink and then a cigarette, which she refused. He then hit her with a bottle on the side of the head and she fell to the ground.

It was just an hour later that the second woman was attacked, when it is believed the same attacker knocked her to the ground.

The man has now been remanded in custody in connection with the two towpath incidents.

Erewash body 'not suspicious'

THE incident of the woman's body found in the Erewash Canal last week is not being treated as suspicious, police relate.

The police were called to the canal near Cotmanhay Bridge early on Wednesday of last week, and later recovered the body from the water.

Old canals found

ARHCHAEOLOGISTS using a plane have discovered what they have described as a 'breathtaking engineering project' of nearly 60 miles of unknown canals in the East of the country.

Not however much use as future projects for the Waterway Recovery Group, as these are believed to be medieval canals, possibly built by monks to ferry stone.

The canals are believed to be about 40 feet wide, but are now only visible from the air as they are filled with silt.

Martin Redding, of the Witham Valley Archeology Research Committee, discovered the canals using aerial photographs, explaining:

"They have been completely infilled by later deposits that have been brought in by flooding eight hundred years, but are important because they represent a breathtaking engineering project.

The only sanitary station on the Weaver locked shut

SIX boats from the Bridgewater Motorboat Club at Runcorn arrived at the only sanitary station on the Weaver at Northwich at 11.30 one morning to find it locked, boater Frank Hurst tells us.

The boaters made enquiries at the bridge control office with a British Waterways employee who told them he would ring to find out why it was unavailable.

Frank relates:

"About 30 minutes later another British Waterways man arrived and informed us the station was out of use due to it being painted. Great planning. The only station on the river closed in the middle of run up to the busiest Bank Holiday week of the year. He rang the head office who told him to open it up in a couple of hours and let us empty our Elsan equipment, this we did, all of us getting lovely sticky blue floor paint over our shoes." 01/09

Boatbuilder to produce abroad

THE ever increasing cost of manufacturing in this country coupled with more and more rules and regulations is forcing another boatbuilder abroad, leaving 40 boatbuilding jobs at risk in a small village.

The company Porter & Hamlett has its main production at Wroxham, and the news that it is considering moving either all or most of its business abroad has worried the local council.

Michael Bugden, Vice Chairman of Wroxham Parish Council, complained:

"The parish council would be very concerned to know that there was a possibility of skilled jobs being diluted in the village, as there are relatively small numbers of jobs available in the area, particularly for younger people."

Matthew Thwaites, a director at Barnes Brinkcraft, a supplier to the boatbuilding company in Wroxham, accepted some firms would move work abroad because of rising production costs in the UK. But he was concerned job losses at Porter and Haylett could affect his own business. 01/09

Archives updated

THE archives in narrowboatworld have been updated to include various past features and the more important news items.

The index can of course be accessed with the link in the top right-hand corner of the page. 01/09

Salt and pepper have gone

LAST week-end the two towers of the former Blackburn Meadows power station, locally known as 'salt and pepper', by the side of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire navigation were demolished, to make way for a 'green' power station on the site.

'Salt and pepper' now demolished

Sheffield Council's city centre planning board approved the new £60 million development which will be capable of generating 25 MW of electrical energy by burning plant material that would otherwise have been sent to a landfill. 01/09

Towpath erosion barrier taken out

THE experimental £60,000 anti-erosion barrier which failed to properly protect the Thames towpath, as reported in narrowboatworld, is being removed after years of complaints.

The willow defence system, which involved wooden stakes being woven into the bank to form a barrier, upset local residents by the river in Oxford, as it had allowed the river bank to crumble away.

Oxfordshire County Council started work last week to rebuild the river bank and replace the willow with a £100,000 'gabion' wall—cages filled with rubble. , which should be completed by October.

Local resident Derek Barnes commented:

"When we saw these workers hammering in a few willow sticks and tying dead willow sticks around it we knew well enough it was not going to be good enough to protect the bank, but nobody would listen to us and that was it. It was just a complete shambles and a complete and utter waste of money." 01/09

Man stood in canal

AN ELDERLY man was found standing, partly submerged in the Wolverhampton Canal in the city, and had to be dragged out.

The 80 years old, who was obviously wet and shivering was treated by the ambulance crew, then taken to hospital for further treatment and assessment. 01/09

New customer contact number

BRITISH Waterways Customer Service Centre is now contactable on a new 'locall' number—0845 671 5530.

This new number is the same cost as a standard local call from a British Telecom landline, and replaces the national 01923 201120 number, which however will remain in service for the foreseeable future. 01/09

Woman named in Coventry Canal death

POLICE have named a woman whose body was found in the Coventry Canal as Winifred Donlon, who lived in the Rowleys Green area of Coventry, and was discovered in the canal in the city on Monday, 11th August.

She was the fourth person found in the area of the canal. Her death is being treated by police as unexplained. 01/09

British Waterways moorings con?

SEEMINGLY in its effort to boost tenders for its new mooring scheme, British Waterways are listing bogus boaters on its waiting lists.

Boater Jim Hutchinson tells us that he knows for a fact that two people on the waiting list for one particular mooring have long given up boating, remarking:

"Out of curiosity I’ve just looked again at the details of some of the British Waterways moorings which are up for tender. I notice that British Waterways has a clever little scheme for panicking would-be moorers into submitting inflated tenders.

"It now lists the number of people who were on the waiting list when it closed in May 2007. The impression given is that there is a queue of boaters eager to snap up a desirable mooring."

Jim wonders how accurate are the figures, stating:

"I know for a fact that where I moor there are at least two names on the waiting list of people who have long since given up boating and there will be others who, no doubt, had their names on multiple lists." 27/08

Boater banned fromTesco

RESIDENT boaters Stephen and Rachel Hedges, have been banned from Tesco's even though were cleared of racially threatening behaviour after a two days trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

Stephen had been accused by a manager when he was leaving the store of swearing at staff, thought the person in question pointed out he had not done so, after which Stephen asked for an apology, but was told he was not getting one and was barred.

However, he won the case after the jury saw the CCTV footage of the incident, showing he had not threatened anyone.

But he is still barred from the store. 27/08

Canalside pub closes

NO LONGER will boaters be able to call at the Ship Inn at the junction of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with the Rufford Branch at Lathom, for it has been forced to close after Cains Brewery of Liverpool went into administration.

All the staff, including landlord Les Bentham, were called to the pub at Top Lock on the waterway last Tuesday morning to be told they are being made redundant.

Although Cains owned the business, Les is afraid he will be made homeless because Punch Taverns Ltd own the premises and have told him that unless he can pay the rent of £2,5000 a week he will have to go.

Les told us:

“I’m in no financial position to do that, no wonder Cains went into administration if that’s the amount of rent they were paying. The rent is ridiculously high. After paying utility bills, staff salaries and so on, I would go bankrupt in a matter of months.

“They’ve already had a guy looking to buy the tenancy out from under me. But I live above the pub. This pub is my life, I’ll not only be losing my job, but my home and my dignity.”

The pub had its nickname because the landlady would trade beer for buckets of pigs blood from farmers to use in black puddings. 27/08

Celebrating 150 years at Netherton

ENTHUSIASTS entered the spirit of the celebration of 150 years since the opening of Netherton Tunnel on the BCN, by dressing in costume of the day.

Then came a procession of over 40 narrowboats, Joey boats and tugs, including the steam powered boat President through the tunnel, accompanied by music from the West Midlands Fire Service Band.

Deputy Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Pat Martin and Mayor of Sandwell Bob Price, also re-staged the original ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary of the tunnel.

At 3027 yards long, and allowing two boats to pass inside, the Netherton tunnel was one of the biggest in the country, and provided a waterway connection between Netherton and Tipton, at a cost of £302,000. At the time of its opening it was lit by gas, later replaced by electricity. 27/08

New record

THERE was a new record for the pages of narrowboatworld when on Wednesday 6th August the Front Page was visited 11,285 times on the single day.

This is the first time the figure has reached 11,000 in one day. The Breaking News at the time was the possible closure of the Kennet & Avon Canal due to lasck of maintenance. 22/08

Boater shut canal

THERE was little cruising through Banbury on the Oxford Canal on Wednesday, after a hirer, not taking care, allowed his boat to slam back into the gate of Banbury Lock making it inoperable.

British Waterways engineers had to drain the lock to make the repair to the gate which had been jerked out of its socket.

The hire boat's rudder was forced out of the skeg, and had to also be repaired. 22/08

The bench faces the canal—at last

IT WOULD seem that British Waterways do not really want visitors viewing the Llangollen Canal, for a bench seat installed by the towpath at Lower Frankton, was placed facing away from the waterway towards the hedge!

Locals were amazed, especially as the excuse given by British Waterways was that it was installed facing away from the canal 'for safety reasons'.

However, after so many complaints, workmen arrived at the scene, cut out a level piece of ground then turned the bench seat around—facing the canal, after three years. 22/08

Search for boys called off

A SEARCH for two boys who were spotted in a partially-inflated dinghy paddling down the Caledonian Canal near Inverness has been called off.

However, it is not thought the boys, about 12, have come to harm, the authorities maintain.

Latest: They were later found to be at home. 22/08

Waitrose gives to Droitwich

SUPERMARKET giant Waitrose has made a £4,500 donation to help with the restoration of the Droitwich canals.

The trust managing the restoration is hoping to raise a total of £1m to complete the entire project. The latest donation means it is now halfway there. 22/08

Rochdale open again

IT WAS on Friday 25th july that the Rochdale Canal was closed between Failsworth and Chadderton, in Oldham owing to pollution, but only yesterday (19th August)—over three weeks later—that it was reopened.

Around 4,000 dead roach, perch, trench, bream and pike were found floating on the surface of the canal at the time.

With the section being a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, boaters had to wait until tests were completed to see that there would be no harm to the plant life by allowing boats back on the water. 21/08

Taylor Wimpey pulls out of waterside development

THE credit crunch is having its effect on waterside developments, with the massive Taylor Wimpey pulling out of its partnership with Fenland Council to build the £50 million Nene Waterfront Development in Wisbech.

Cambridge County Council members are calling for an enquiry, with Peter Humphrey, head of a prominent firm of planning agents in Wisbech, who fears £2 million allocated to the scheme by the local housing corporation for social housing could be lost.

However, the local council see no reason for an enquiry, as circumstances stand, and he was told that the £2 million had not been lost but has been 'sensibly re-allocated' and could be available once the building industry picks up again.

A spokesman for the local council warned:

"The current economic conditions, not just in Britain, but across the world, are having an adverse effect on the housing market here in the UK. It is a measure of that market downturn that even the largest house builder in the country—Taylor Wimpey—is having to consider closely its house building programme." 21/08

Not a good escape

A SUSPECTED shoplifter, being chased by staff from PC World in Bath thought he had the ideal means of escape—leaping into the Avon to escape capture.

Store staff tried to persuade him to come out of the river, but he refused. But he did evaded being caught—he drowned.

It needed police divers to trawl the river to recover his body which was found at Weston Lock. 21/08

Money available for canalside schemes

THOUGH there is certainly little money available for the canals at the moment, the organisation, Community Spaces is offering grants of between £50,000 and £450,000 for community groups wanting to improve green and open spaces in their neighbourhoods.

The programme, which is funded with £50m from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme and managed by Groundwork UK, has been open for small and medium applications since March 2008 and has so far received over 200 applications.

The launch of the large grants means that groups are now able to expand their horizons further and apply for more money to create and revamp green spaces. The larger grants will be distributed on a competitive basis and only four large (£50,000 to £100,000) and one flagship (£100,001 to £450,000) grant will be allocated in each region of England.

The grants, it is stated, may be used for canalside spaces as well as nature reserves, woodland walks, etc. 21/08

A bigger canalside cinema

PEEL Investments have applied for planning permission to extend the Cineworld cinema along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal at Gloucester Quay.

It also wants to add four cafe/bar units. The extended cinema will have an extra three screens, making nine in all, with its external appearance being modernised.

If planning consent is granted later this year by the planning committee, the development will be completed by next summer. 21/08

Objections to boozing boat passengers

THE owners of a river cruise company applying to expand its alcohol licence onto dry land in Lechlade on the Thames, have met with objections from local residents.

Cotswold River Cruises, based at Lechlade Marina, caters for parties on its wide beam passenger boat Adventuress.

Its current licence allows music and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the boat until midnight, but the owners wanted this extending to cover the jetty at the marina to midnight as well.

Various organisations including Lechlade Town Council, Lechlade 2000 Plus and Lechlade District Society, including many locals, have objected to the plans saying it may lead to an increase in underage drinking and its associated problems in the area

Sue Coakley, Secretary of the town council planning committee, explained:

"There is a risk of young people getting hold of alcohol and the consequent noise, disturbance and vandalism that goes with excessive drinking." 21/08

New petition

THERE is now a new Thames Parliamentary Petition concerning the Environment Agency selling off Lock houses, as the last one was only available for a month.

Our correspondent tells us:

"Things are quiet at the moment, but thinks the agency is licking its wounds and about to regroup!

"A new review group has been set up and the agency have placed managers from outside the waterway department on the group, so that a fresh perspective can be gained.

"As you can imagine this has put a few noses well and truly out of joint!"

A link to the petition is on the front page, and all who favour lock keepers being present at Thames locks at all times should sign it. 14/08

John Fletcher leaves

JOHN Fletcher, the very active Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association, has left the position, which has been taken over by Clive Henderson, pictured here.

The decision was made at an extended meeting of the association's National Council in July, which had been scheduled to discuss proposed changes to the organisation following concerns expressed by branches about regional representation in the future.

John has been chairman for an eventful six years which has seen the Inland Waterways Association celebrate its Diamond Jubilee, and the fight against Government funding cuts to British Waterways.

Idle Women wanted

THE Waterways Trust and British Waterways are appealing for women who worked on the waterways during the Second World War to come forward to receive formal recognition of their efforts more than 60 years after the conflict ended.

During the war, women volunteered to work on the canals. Wearing a badge with the initials IW to indicate that they were working on the waterways on essential war work, this group of women became known as the Idle Women.

These young girls, mostly from middle class backgrounds with no experience of manual labour worked hard and effectively, transforming themselves into first rate boaters, earning the respect of traditional boating families.

Tony Hales, British Waterways’ Chairman, explained:

"The achievements of this group of women during the war, while small in number, have never been formally recognised. We would now like to rectify this and hope that former Idle Women, or their relatives, will come forward to share their stories and experiences."

The majority of the Idle Women worked on the Grand Union Canal. The Waterways Trust and British Waterways are now having a plaque created to provide permanent and lasting public recognition of the contribution made by this special group of people during World War II. The plaque will be mounted at the National Waterways Museum at Stoke Bruerne.

Former Idle Women, or their families, should contact Justine Lee at The Waterways Trust on 07917 804550 or email justine.lee@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk 14/08

More development on the 'Narrow'

HOUSE BUILDER Barratt is developing land between the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Tame for housing.

The properties, aimed at the 'young family' cost around £275,00 and will be ready by September.

The company operate an 'exchange' scheme for those wishing to move up to the more expensive properties. 14/08

Another car in Sheffield canal

FOR the second time this year, a car was seen going into the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Canal at Tinsley, with the emergency services being called out.

The specialist water rescue team members that were called out found however that the vehicle was empty, and it appears that the car had been pushed into the water by vandals. 14/08

Helicopter rescues woman from the Nene

IT NEEDED a police helicopter crew to rescue a woman stuck in the mud in the Nene near Crab Marsh at, Wisbech, who had telephoned her family who called the emergency services.

Ambulance crews, the fire service and the Spartan Rescue water search company were unable to find the woman on the ground, so as it was then dark, the helicopter was called in, with infra-red technology being used, that located the woman who was taken to hospital for treatment.

Once spotted, the helicopter landed near the bank of the river, with the crew throwing the woman a rope and pulling her free. 14/08

300 boats at the 'National'

ALREADY there are 300 boats booked in to attend the Inland Waterways Association 'National' at Autherley Junction over the Bank Holiday week-end, Gillian Bolt tells us.

The local Inland Waterways Association branch and the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society have jointly organised Explorer Cruises for these visitors wanting to explore the lesser used sections of the Birmingham canals.

Another way of travelling to the festival, of course, is by horseboat and the very well known Sue Day of the Horseboating Society will be doing exactly that! Using Success, which is an iron horseboat built in 1910, from a firm which was situated on the BCN, and Prince, a Clydesdale owned by Jayne Bradley, former head horse keeper at the Black Country Living Museum.

Sue will be horseboating along the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffs & Worcs to the festival site. 07/08

Museum archive open to the public

PEOPLE wanting to research the heritage of our waterways or trace their family trees can get expert advice and access original archive documents at a series of special summer open days at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port.

The Waterways Archives, which are housed at the museum, will be open to members of the public during August.

Original documents and photographs will be on display alongside some more recent additions to the archive collections. Visitors will be able to brows back copies of canal society pamphlets and journals as well as accessing the extensive waterways reference library.

Archive Research Assistant, Linda Barley, will also be on hand to offer advice and information on boat family history research, and there is no need to book, people can simply drop by with their questions or browse the library.

The archive will be open to the public from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 10th August, Saturday 16th August and Saturday 23rd August. 07/08

Another community boat

THE Surrey Care Trust, that operates the Swingbridge Community Boat on the Wey in Guildford and Basingstoke Canal in and around Woking, now has another.

The work of the trust focuses on training and education, inspiring people who face disadvantage or need a second chance in life to transform their futures by gaining new skills.

The £30,000 cost of building the new Swingbridge 2 as it has been named, has been raised from three £10,000 donations from Thames Water, Woking Borough Council and the Thames Heritage Trust, while a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is paying for a proportion of the running costs, including staff, tools and equipment of the new boat, for two years.

The new boat was built for the trust by Reeves Boatbuilders of Napton on the Hill, and was officially launched by Charlie Dimmock at an informal ceremony at the end of July at the National Trust’s wharf in Guildford. 07/08

Castlemill fight goes on

THE fight for Castlemill Boatyard is far from over, as the campaigners, backed by the residents of Jericho at Oxford prepare to continue their fight against a large block of flats, after developers announced last-minute changes to their plans.

It was last December that Oxford City Council rejected proposals by Spring Residential to build 54 flats on the former Castlemill Boatyard site.

Artists' impression of the proposed flats

Spring's plan includes 54 one- and two-bedroom flats, 16 parking spaces, a public square but only a single boat repair berth.

Earlier this year, Spring had appealed against the council's decision and a planning inquiry is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 12th August, submitting revised plans.

Original campaigner, Adrian Arbib, who wants a new boatyard, observed:

"At the end of the day, this is still an overbearing, ugly building which will destroy the character of Jericho and residents remain totally opposed to it."

The revised plans are on display at the community centre in Canal Street until the 9th August. 04/08

Anglers attack cyclist

ANGLERS on the St Helen's Canal at Spike Island at Widnes tried to steal a bike from a teenage cyclist who had stopped to chat to them on the towpath, then when he refused was viciously attacked.

When he refused to give the anglers his bike, several of the men punched and kicked him in the face and body, and though hurt, managed to escape.

There were three anglers involved, who have not yet been traced, though police are asking for witnesses to come forward.

He was shaken but managed to escape on his bike. 04/08

The safe way

AS A result of the piece published of the exploding battery, Tony Brooks advises:

On most boats always disconnect all the negative battery connections first. Then disconnect the positives. That way you can not cause a short circuit.

Negative off first and on last—all of them.

The only exception is on old boats that have the positive battery terminal connected to the engine block. In that case it is positive off first and on last.

To be sure you do not cause a spark you should also turn the master switches off before disconnecting the batteries. 04/08

Man drowned in Caledonian Canal

A YOUNG man in his early twenties has disappeared and feared drowned while swimming with a friend in the Caledonian Canal. They were swimming in Muirtown Basin at Inverness when the man failed to surface, with the friend getting into difficulties when he attempted a rescue, but himself had to be rescued by members of the public.

A search was made around the middle of the basin, but had to be called off as darkness fell. The police had taken away two bottles which were floating in the water.

A police inspector warned:

“Despite the water being inviting on a warm day, it is extremely cold and we would advise people not to go near the water.” 04/08

Body found in Lancaster Canal

UNDERWATER search teams were called to Garstang after the sighting of a body was reported to police in the Lancaster Canal.

The body of a man in his 30's was then pulled out of the water under Kepple Lane Bridge on the waterway.

Selfish boaters

THE boat in the picture was crewed by Russians. They locked down the Braunston Top Lock, turned the boat around and put it on the lock moorings before demanding where the 'town' was, and marching off down the towpath!

Photo: Roger Fox

This was on a busy Sunday afternoon, causing havoc at the lock moorings.

Decimating water vole population

THE misguided action by animal rights activists of releasing mink into the wilds is decimating the water vole population the chairman of the UK Water Vole Steering Group has declared.

Alastair Driver, the Chairman of the group explains:

"Over the last 15 years or so, the water vole has undergone one of the most catastrophic declines of a species ever known in the country, a far more rapid decline than that suffered by the charismatic mega fauna of Africa or Asia, and it has happened here right under our noses."

Mink by the side of the canal

And Tory MP Andrew Robathan, who has travelled 137 miles by boat, mostly on the Grand Union Canal, announced that he did not see a single water vole.

The mink were originally brought over to this country from the United States to provide fur, but when this was banned, the mink were simply set free, and those that were still held were released by animal rights activists.

It is now estimated that there are 110,000 wild mink wreaking havoc with indigenous species, with water vole a favourite dish.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust in 1989-90 spotted water voles in 15.5% of the sites surveyed in the south-west of England, but by 1996-98 it was down to just 1.9%.

Water voles in the Thames Valley saw a drop of 73.5% to 24%, and the trust believes the water vole will be extinct by 2012.

Boater burned in fire

A BOATER was badly burned when a fire broke out in his cruiser at Ripon Motorboat Club Marina at the week-end.

It is believed the fire was started from petrol when the owner was trying to start the engine, and left him with burns to his face, arms, chest and back.

There was also damage to the wooden jetty and a neighbouring boat. 07/08