I have just got my National Association of Boat Owners News. A worthwhile group of people actively representing us boaters by attending meetings with the Canal and River Trust.
Many complaints poured in last year, including my own, regarding the lack of vegetation management on the South Oxford Canal. NABO and its members now report that action has taken place during the winter and much improvements have been made.
Problems on the Basingstoke Canal are not going away when Hampshire and Surrey Councils want CRT to take it on. But the councils are concerned that not enough funding is available!
Much concern involves boaters in London. Apparently many of the boats are being rented by people who have no idea what is required to live on board. When a boat is rented without proper insurance and or safety certificate they cannot legally have a licence! Some boats cannot be moved due to mechanical problems. CRT is considering a licence for boats for hire that would have to meet the trade conditions. (Why not just insist the hired boats have a trade licence?)
Can you believe it, EA are prepared to close some navigation's in Anglia on health n safety grounds and lack of funds? That includes the River Nene and Great Ouse!
CRT is to review licencing for all craft on its waterways. NABO are considering their response. Home moorings or not, should there be a price difference? Licence duration, twelve, six or one month? Prompt payment discount? Length and width used to calculate the charge?
These are only a few issues being worked on by NABO. Please consider being a member to give them even more encouragement and power.
2 comments:
Having just moved Constance from Fenny Compton Marina to Banbury Tramway I can vouch for the fact that there has been quite a bit of vegetation clearance on the South Oxford Canal.
Thanks Colin, that is good news.
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