LimL
Member
Like most boat-owners, I haven’t seen my boat since 23rd March when the lockdown was announced. My marina (MDL) was quick to announce the complete closure of the marina, whilst also pointing out that they continued to look after all our boats in the same way – no doubt in anticipation of demands for a reduction in marina fees! The Environment Agency too was quick to suggest that non-essential boat trips were not desirable, and enforced this by switching off power to most locks, preventing the use of others completely, and allowing fallen trees, sunken boats and other obstacles to remain, obstructing the navigation.
The effects of the Coronavirus lockdown has been very uneven. All too many families have lost loved ones as a result of the government’s muddled and delayed policies. And some families have been left without any income, or greatly reduced income, for many weeks, whilst at the same time coping with children at home because of school closures. Others have been relatively little affected; such as those on secure pensions, or still able to (or having to) work. And some have seen an increase in demand – NHS workers, carers, supermarket staff, DIY outlets, etc.
The many businesses that have been seriously affected are keen to get back to work, even if on a limited basis, to provide an income stream to offset their fixed outgoings. This includes river-based firms running repairs, chandlery, valeting, hire-boats and others. And maybe even those whose income is derived from collecting mooring fees! So these businesses have a big incentive to return.
I wonder however about those organisations who continue to take, or have taken, their fees and no doubt have no intention of giving any of them back again. Maybe the current situation suits them quite well, and they will be keen to find excuses not to get back to any level of normal working?
For the Environment Agency, no annoying boaters complaining about unmanned locks, overgrown vegetation on lock laybys, inadequate dredging, excessive wash, arrogant rowers, fallen trees blocking the navigation, navigation signs unreadable or broken, lock hydraulics needing emergency repair, regattas to co-ordinate and supervise… I could go on.
For marina operators, no need to provide any more than skeleton manning, no complaints of pump-outs not working or shortage of fuel or gas, no need to maintain and clean toilets and showers, no complaints about bird fouling on walkways – it’s a dream way to make money!
It seems clear though that enjoying the river, and using marina facilities, meets most if not all of the requirements for social distancing, fresh air and exercise. A prompt resumption of the activities that we all love is now due, I think. Or is it?
The effects of the Coronavirus lockdown has been very uneven. All too many families have lost loved ones as a result of the government’s muddled and delayed policies. And some families have been left without any income, or greatly reduced income, for many weeks, whilst at the same time coping with children at home because of school closures. Others have been relatively little affected; such as those on secure pensions, or still able to (or having to) work. And some have seen an increase in demand – NHS workers, carers, supermarket staff, DIY outlets, etc.
The many businesses that have been seriously affected are keen to get back to work, even if on a limited basis, to provide an income stream to offset their fixed outgoings. This includes river-based firms running repairs, chandlery, valeting, hire-boats and others. And maybe even those whose income is derived from collecting mooring fees! So these businesses have a big incentive to return.
I wonder however about those organisations who continue to take, or have taken, their fees and no doubt have no intention of giving any of them back again. Maybe the current situation suits them quite well, and they will be keen to find excuses not to get back to any level of normal working?
For the Environment Agency, no annoying boaters complaining about unmanned locks, overgrown vegetation on lock laybys, inadequate dredging, excessive wash, arrogant rowers, fallen trees blocking the navigation, navigation signs unreadable or broken, lock hydraulics needing emergency repair, regattas to co-ordinate and supervise… I could go on.
For marina operators, no need to provide any more than skeleton manning, no complaints of pump-outs not working or shortage of fuel or gas, no need to maintain and clean toilets and showers, no complaints about bird fouling on walkways – it’s a dream way to make money!
It seems clear though that enjoying the river, and using marina facilities, meets most if not all of the requirements for social distancing, fresh air and exercise. A prompt resumption of the activities that we all love is now due, I think. Or is it?