Boaters' Update March 2008

Consultation on mooring tenders trial
BW has published a short 'pre-consultation' document setting out how it proposes to conduct the promised formal consultation later in the Spring. Read the pre-consultation document. BW is hoping that in the feedback they give on this paper, boaters will help to define different options for vacancy allocation and pricing systems that will be the subject of the formal consultation stage. They are not asking at this stage for views on the tender trial – people who want to do this are asked to go online to the mooring tenders website and fill in the feedback form.

So far, just four full months into the trial, a total of 88 vacancies have been let using the tendering system. Of these, 22 went for below the current guide price, 19 were within 10% and the remaining 47 were more than 11% higher.
Download a table showing all the result details so far

Droitwich canals restoration project gets green light
Confirmation of planning has been announced today for the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. This means that work can now officially get under way on the main restoration works on the line of the canal.

During the Spring months, the priority will be to focus on the area of the canal around the M5. Margaret Rowley, chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said: "Droitwich Canals Trust has been working towards restoring the canals since 1973. Now that the project has cleared the final hurdle we are delighted that the early vision is about to become reality."
Find out more about the Droitwich Canals restoration

Mon & Brec prepares for the tourism season
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is preparing for the tourism season with over 18 miles of the canal unaffected by the recent breach. An eight mile stretch from the terminus at Brecon to Ashford Tunnel at Talybont and a 10-mile stretch from Llanover to Cwmbran (bridge number 84 to Five Locks) are still full of water and operating as usual. Boat trips are running from Brecon and from Easter boats and kayaks will be available to hire for the day at Goytre Wharf.
Find out more about the Mon & Brec preparing for the tourism season

Sign up for Towpath Tidy
Last year’s towpath tidy achieved a record result with 152 tonnes of rubbish removed from the waterways, up from 147 tonnes in 2006 and 121 tonnes in 2005. And this spring, BW staff and volunteers again took to the towpaths to get the canals spruced up in time for the 2008 summer boating season. There are still some opportunities for volunteers to help tidy the towpaths until the beginning of April. Find out about your local Towpath Tidy and how you can volunteer

Please watch your discharge!
BW is urging boaters cruising the waterways this spring to help the environment by taking extra care with oil. Pollution incidents can have a seriously detrimental effect on the watercourse, the wildlife that use it and its recreational value. It is important that all waterway visitors help prevent pollution incidents. You can do this by taking a few extra measures to prevent pollutants such as oils and fuels from reaching the water for example using rags to catch drips or oil absorbent pads to remove oily residue from bilge waters and reporting any pollution incidents to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
Find out more about pollution prevention

Tees Barrage to appear in London 2012 training guide
The Tees Barrage white water course is selected to appear in the London Organising Committee Pre-Games Training Camp Guide. This BW site was selected for its ability to host world class training. Details about the successful facilities will first be published at the Beijing Games when all participating Olympic nations will learn about The Tees Barrage and the other facilities the North East has to offer for canoe, kayak and slalom enthusiasts.
Find out more about the Tees Barrage appearing in the London 2012 training guide

River Soar to host IWA’s 2009 National Festival
You’ve probably already penciled in the 2008 IWA National Festival on the August bank holiday at Autherley Junction on your calendar. But here’s a date for your 2009 diary! The 2009 National Festival & Boat Show is to be held at Red Hill, near Ratcliffe on Soar, on the River Soar.
Find out more about the 2009 National Festival

Defra announces grant for British Waterways for 2008/09
Defra announced it is to award BW with a grant of £56.6 million for the year 2008/09. Responding to the announcement, British Waterways chief executive, Robin Evans said: "In the current difficult government funding climate this is a reasonable settlement and in line with our expectations. It shows that Defra has listened to the arguments that further funding cuts would be very damaging."
Find out more about the Defra announcement

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Last updated: 22/10/2008