CART takes over...

[TrueBlue]

Today is the official transfer of BWs property to the Trust.
A host of balloons and waving bunting is displayed at various sites around the country. The promise is to bring the canals nearer to the public and away from the strangle hold of DEFRA.

So far so good, makes sense. For the time being it's BW management with a different hat on.

In two years time it is proposed (many say it's a done deal) to transfer EA's rivers to the trust.


Are Thames boaters bothered?
No - they are generally unaware, and care - less.

Are members and lurkers on this forum bothered?

Probably like the above - No.

I am and I think some of the more active folk on here are likewise.

What particularly concerns me is that in the Lords debate Lord Smith said the EA support the transfer and would help in any way to achieve that.
In effect that means EA staff will be obliged to stay neutral and will fear to say anything controversial.

The Thames (in particular) is so different from the canals (where CART now own the track and all infrastructure) and EA owns little. CART has several income streams. EA Thames region - careful here - has not-a-lot except from boaters and mostly from powered boats to boot.

What particularly bothers me is that a lot of the issues will be pushed aside or bodged - even to the extent of the right to navigate may be abolished.

I would be happier if there was full, detailed discussion of all the challenges - starting "real soon" and this should be from interested parties with EA or even higher up.

Does anyone really care - or will you all remain silent, waiting until it's too late and then wingeing???

 

[chanelyacht]

Actually, I think the opposite may happen - anything able to make decisions away from EA/Defra is a good move, and given central government's record on canals over the years, compared to the trusts and societies formed to regenerate them, the new organisation could hardly do any worse.

Central govt. has no business to be running river navigations, it doesn't need to be their function.

Given the EAs appalling maintenance record on the rivers I know well, it would be very hard for anyone to do less.

 

[teddington_lock]

The maintenance of the Thames to be fair to the EA is pretty good , and not just because i work for them.

 

[TrueBlue]

The maintenance of the Thames to be fair to the EA is pretty good , and not just because i work for them.

Absolutely agree - as far as the structures are concerned.
Others would dispute when it comes to dredging (.....)
and les to overhanging trees and in the water,
Oh and pump outs
and waste facilities

Its the stuff that lurks behind the scenes -

• flood control
• weir management
• lock services
• public rights of way
• who's responsible for the navigation
• VAT on licences - bound to be pressure from the Gov't to cancel the right to navigate so a registration (VAT free) turns into a fee for use as on the canals; VATable. That's 20% increase without any value being added

just for starters

 

[No Regrets]

Strangely, I have no issues.

Knowing about the potential shortcomings, I bought a boat with a 2'6" draft, which has a large holding tank, berth her at a Marina which has or is nearby a Pump out, and Fuel, and is compact enough to enjoy relatively economical running costs, while sleeping six, sipping fuel, yet doing everything I want it to.

I know other people do similar things....

I almost pity the poor blighters with a 4' draft, small holding tanks, thirsty engines, Air-drafts over 10' and oversized hulls.....

It's the same on the roads. Why buy a V8 4X4 to go shopping, and then moan about £465 road tax, £7 a gallon and tiny parking spaces/ width restrictions?

 

[Captain Coochie]

Strangely, I have no issues.

Trust me sunshine , you have issues

 

[BrendanS]

Trust me sunshine , you have issues

 

[No Regrets]

 

[oldgit]

Sorry cannot agree with that statement.

"Given the EAs appalling maintenance record on the rivers I know well, it would be very hard for anyone to do less."



The EAs restoration and improvement of facilities on the the non tidal part of the Medway has been out standing to say the least.Over the past few years,virtually the entire river has had attention with big money being spent on additonal pile and bankside moorings,lock refurbishment ,new pump outs, shower amenities and improving access to the river.
Money has also been invested in providing canoe and fish passes.
An vast improvement on the decades of neglect and indifference under previous administrations.

 

[Ramage]

Trust me sunshine , you have issues

Too right... here is a picture of No Regrets relaxing.....

 

[watson1959]

The young lady on the right looks like she's having a wonderful time

'But that's my dress he's got on!'

 

[No Regrets]

Nice legs though

 

[Wavey]

Bit hairy for my tastes but each to their own

 

[No Regrets]

I was led to believe you only looked for a pulse

 

[SnowCat]

....and the title of this thread is?

 

[No Regrets]

'Was' until your hubby got involved

 

[SnowCat]

Yes and others...

I just consider that this is such an important subject that we should try to keep on topic.

 

[TrueBlue]

Yes and others...

I just consider that this is such an important subject that we should try to keep on topic.

Thank You!!
You seem to be in a minority of one.
Perhaps others don't realise the significance of what will happen.

 

[SnowCat]

Always ready and willing to help out!

 

[penfold]

There was an article in Private Eye about the transfer; it raised concerns about the lack of accountability and in particular the fact that the new organisation would be effectively immune to the FoIA which could make effective oversight impossible.