Possibly no more mooring at Datchet unless we act

Riverleak

Riverleak

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Datchet parish council has submitted plans to revamp the mooring jetties at Datchet, This has been granted by the Environment Agency and looked like it was going ahead, but now unfortunately a few people have objected saying repairing the jetties and having boats moored on them would ruin their views up and down the river!!!!! Well I'm sorry if I'm wrong but there have been mooring jetties at Datchet ever since I have been on the Thames and that is now 27 years!!!!! and as far as I know many years prior to that, so probably longer than most people that have lived in the few houses across the road from the River. Datchet is a well liked stop for many boaters with a number of good restaurants and pubs as well as a few good shops and a garage for those who might need emergency fuel. Surly us boaters stopping at these moorings would bring much needed revenue and vibrancy into the village/river community. If you fancy attending a meeting to air your support regarding these jetties, it is being held on Wendsday 25th January at Datchet Parish Village Hall at 7:30pm. Hope to have some support, see you there, River.......
 
Same thing happened at Walton ( just before the bridge going up river ) They built on the land and then it was " no landing ". The petrol station was pretty much on the river there and there is another just up the road but now there is no where to stop for fuel as its all built up with " No landing " You even get some fat old fart shouting out of his window if you go near the wall :rolleyes:
 
I received a copy of this letter from the Clerk to Datchet Parish Council yesterday:

Datchet Parish Council
1 Allen Way
Datchet
Slough
Berkshire
SL3 9HR
Web: www.datchetparishcouncil.org.uk Graham J. Leaver Clerk
Email: Clerk@datchetparishcouncil.org.uk
Tel: 01753 773499
Mobile: 07973 730022

THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION AND THE
2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CARRY OUT REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT WORKS AND REINSTATE A RIVER PASSENGER PICK UP FACILITY WITHIN THE RIVER FRONTAGE AT DATCHET AT THE LOCATION PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS ‘DATCHET WHARF’.

The two existing boat mooring jetties at Datchet River frontage have become a hazard risk due to suffering dilapidation and damage over a number of years and as a consequence are deemed unsafe and have been prohibited for use by boat owners by the Datchet Parish Council on behalf of their insurers.

Additionally the foreshore footpath in one location has over the years suffered damage by boats and the damage being further exacerbated by flood events during recent years and requires repair for public safety.

The Datchet Parish Council intend to replace the two existing jetties with new structures suitable for present pleasure craft mooring and repair the damaged footpath frontage.

In addition to these works Datchet Parish Council wish to install a third jetty for use by passenger craft as a pick up location for spectators attending the rowing Olympic and Paralympics Games taking place at Dorney between June and September 2012.

The facility is intended for persons arriving in Datchet by train and those persons leaving their cars in Upton car park and wishing to enjoy a river journey experience. The jetty will remain in place following the Olympic Games and provide a continuing visitor facility for enjoyment of the River Thames cruise experience alternatively without the necessity of arrival by car.

The Datchet Parish Council’s intention is that all the above facilities be in place prior to both the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations and the Olympic games, however, the approval process is somewhat protracted and work cannot proceed until the approval has been granted, but has the full support of the Environment Agency who are the approving body. Meanwhile Datchet Parish Council is continuing to press the Environment Agency for an early response, as the projection completion timescale is critical to this requirement.

The intended works have, in addition, the full approval of all of the river user association which exceed over 100,000 river craft owners and with Datchet Parish Council being invited to join with the Royal Borough in the organisation of these events.

In addition to the above, Datchet Parish Council has been advised that the Village of Wallingford has also refurbished their mooring facilities which have resulted in an increase in trade to local businesses. In view of the Country’s economic conditions the opportunity for Datchet businesses to benefit and participate in the two national events with some continuance into the future should not be missed and has the support of Datchet Parish Council.

Some of the facilities offered to Datchet visitors additional to free 24hr overnight mooring are a range of café’s, pubs, restaurants, hotels, post office and a mini-mart, for topping up those essential supplies and in addition facilities for River Cruise hire and marine services are immediately available on the adjoining site.

The necessity to repair existing structures coinciding with national events where Datchet has an opportunity to participate and benefit, should not be missed and therefor the Parish Council seek the support of all residents and businesses to ensure a successful outcome.

A meeting is arranged at the Parish Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25th January 2011, all interested parties are invited to attend and present their views.
Contact relevant to this issue is requested to be made through the Parish office.

Graham J. Leaver
CLERK TO THE COUNCIL

IT.DPC.jf.Intention to carry out repair&Refurbishment works.17.01.12
 
Blimey...I didn't even know they were public moorings. I always thought they belonged to Kris Cruisers (or am I thinking of a different place on the river)?
 
I didnt know either and am quite suprised by the two posts above . One is saying act now the other is saying we are doing our best for boaters .
May i suggest that we do a list of public moorings free or other wise that you know of in your reach ?
 
My worry is that it could be limited to use by French Bros and Salters - and not for private cruisers.
I had no idea there were public moorings at Datchet (after 28 years on the river !!) and would most certainly make use of them if they came available.
 
In my experience there is not enough depth at Datchet to float a flip flop in and hence it has fallen in to disuse years ago.
So unless someone spends the money to dredge it, I fail to see how it would be of any use to the average boater......
Same old story as many other places.
 
Hows about taking a little more care to read the letter, folks?
Portland Billy said:
My worry is that it could be limited to use by French Bros and Salters - and not for private cruisers.
I had no idea there were public moorings at Datchet (after 28 years on the river !!) and would most certainly make use of them if they came available.
Click to expand...
"The Datchet Parish Council intend to replace the two existing jetties with new structures suitable for present pleasure craft mooring and repair the damaged footpath frontage.
In addition to these works Datchet Parish Council wish to install a third jetty for use by passenger craft as a pick up location for spectators attending the rowing Olympic and Paralympics Games taking place at Dorney between June and September 2012."[/b]
apollo said:
In my experience there is not enough depth at Datchet to float a flip flop in and hence it has fallen in to disuse years ago.
So unless someone spends the money to dredge it, I fail to see how it would be of any use to the average boater......Same old story as many other places.
Click to expand...
So go to the meeting and make your views known? I have stayed at Datchet in earlier years when I had a smaller boat and may well do so in future now that I have downsized again = particularly if the moorings are improved as suggested.
 
Cuchilo said:
I didnt know either and am quite suprised by the two posts above . One is saying act now the other is saying we are doing our best for boaters .
May i suggest that we do a list of public moorings free or other wise that you know of in your reach ?
Click to expand...
I was sent the copy of the Clerk's letter by an Old Windsor resident asking for my assistance through the TMBA.
There have been a few vociferous objectors to Datchet PC’s proposal, the core of their objection is to remove all of the mooring facilities from Datchet all together and have no facilities for any passenger operation at all, they consider that boats spoil their view of the river and that boats are too large and obtrusive. The objectors are riverside residents that have paid high prices for their property and do not want their view of the river frontage to be spoiled by boats, people feeding the swans and ducks, or fishing being a general comment.

Are you also able to put this on your website with a request for people to attend the meeting and support the proposal. A meeting is arranged at Datchet Parish Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 25th January 2011, all interested parties are invited to attend and present their views.
Click to expand...

It would appear, therefore, that the council IS trying to improve facilities but being opposed by some local residents.

I cannot get to the meeting myself but if any existing, or newly joined, member of the TMBA would like to attend and represent us I would be happy to brief them on our behalf if they email me.

As regards a list of public mooring sites, there are numerous websites with this information although it is pretty disjointed and difficult to find.

I will see if I can produce such a thing under the TMBA banner = a further flush of new members might encourage me .........:D
 
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All credit to Datchet council if they do indeed reinstate the moorings.
I've always thought the Crown Estate could be a little more charitable and let boaters moor on their magnificently maintained Datchet frontage.
Is it a security issue or a case of 'get off my land':(
 
Sudden huge increase in the number of boats on the River?

"The intended works have, in addition, the full approval of all of the river user association which exceed over 100,000 river craft owners and with Datchet Parish Council being invited to join with the Royal Borough in the organisation of these events."


I wonder which association the above is????

Not quite the TMBA yet.....
 
boatone said:
On behalf of the TMBA, I have emailed the Clerk to the Parish Council supporting their proposals.
You can read the letter HERE
Click to expand...

A very reasonable response. Anything to increase use of the River is to be applauded. I'm sure the 100,000 users (quote from the Parish Council's application) will be pleased :) :)

AFAIR the existing dilapidated staging only allowed for half a dozen boats (bow in) so I can't see how the view would be ruined. The road betwixt the River and the houses is very busy and would deter folks from staying long.
 
A short reference to the Datchet moorings issue this morning on BBC Southern news. Last statement by the newsreader was the council saying "the local economy needs it".

So someone more in the know could contact BBC South; tell them of the Wednesday meeting, etc (might even get you on the telly!)
 
Can we do something about this.

Down here not that far from Oldgit Acres we have an private airport (Rochester)that regularly comes up for some stick,normally from people who moved in 70 years after airport opened its doors.
A very good friend now non longer with us,ALWAYS made a point of virtually kidnapping anybody who mentioned flying in his presence and taking them up for a quick whizz round especially their kids.
His view was that,when somebody bangs on the door asking mum or dad to sign petition to close airport and prevent those rich gits from playing with their toys,mum would think well actually I went up there and met a bunch or ordinary blokes many with battered old cars who took the time to take me and the lad up to show how they enjoy a hobby.
Maybe the next time one of us is moored out side on of the spots that locals have a problem with how about trying with friendly "Hello" maybe engage them in conversation to show you care about the river just as much as them respect their right to peace and quiet and are more likely to pick up litter on the river bank than dump it.
Err...you do dont you ?
 
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oldgit said:
Maybe the next time one of us is moored out side on of the spots that locals have a problem with how about trying with friendly "Hello" maybe engage them in conversation to show you care about the river just as much as them respect their right to peace and quiet and are more likely to pick up litter on the river bank than dump it.
Err...you do dont you ?
Click to expand...

You're not wrong OG:D

We've frequently had conversations with people walking along the river during our first year, whether it's to offer directions to obvious visitors, or just little kids who are excited about the boats. At one point we couldn't 'escape' Reading Lock thanks to a zillion questions from an excited little 3-4yr old.....

It also helps show we're not a bunch of toffee-nosed old buggers who think they are far above the hoi-polloi :D
 
Ferzakerly OG and Watson -

One of the more endearing things about the River(and waterways generally) is that you can engage with other folks - without being carried off to the looney bin or some centralised police detention centre (used to be a local police station). For the most part you will be responded to kindly and with interest.

Perhaps it's one the reasons why I wear a funny (battered) hat and hang unPC flags out the back.

My attempted contribution to making the River a bubbling place.
 
BBC local News at lunchtime today. Very poor arguments put up by the residents, anyone would think theCouncil want to erect an International Cruise Terminal!
 
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