Trotman barge below Hampton court

Looks like he's heading back up through Molesey!!!

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Image taken today (but not by me).
 
When I had my tiny cabin cruiser on the Thames the boat was always licensed. But if it had not been the advice from others about 'lock keepers won't let you through unlicensed / will report you' was noted. Apparently no need...
 
Perhaps he's thirsty? The water point as Molesey lock has been vandalised, which I'm sure they used a lot. The pump out however, not so much.
It may have been a volunteer on duty. From what I've seen, I get the impression that they don't like to challenge anyone.

Surely there's a case to award Mr Trotman with a well deserved ASBO?
 
teddington_lock said:
Trotman now clearing land just below Teddington Barge Lock my spies tell me.

I wonder if he is planning to take the shanty town onto the big steel lay by just below the barge lock.

I hope the lock staff have been instructed to not let him through, although the way the agency failed to consider that he might move from the trees to the head layby , I doubt it.

We shall see.
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Just in case this thread is followed by people unfamiliar with the Thames, the point here is that Teddington is the only lock manned 24/7 and with no self service operation. So he doesn't get through without the assistance of the agency.

I do worry about the 100 yards or so of bank that lies between the barge lock tail and the obelisk marking the extent of the PLAs domain. Something of a no mans land, though technically EA responsibility, and of course covered by the LBRuT byelaws.

I would be really quite annoyed with the agency if they help these vessels to pass, unless under escort to the breakers'.
 
Trotmans favela now affecting the pulling order on Teddington weir.

Because he is across the guard piles the lock staff have had to pull the gates at the opposite end of the weir. Not too bad with just a couple of gates at the moment, but once more are pulled it will affect the currents downstream and could potentially damage boats below the weir. Weirs have a pulling order for a reason.

I do hope the agency gave a plan to remove the wrecks from the guard piles.

Remember also that with them across the piles, water flow is reduced through the gates. I'd hate to think that Trotman may cause flooding because of his desire to continue operating his business.

I'm sure the agency have a plan !
 
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An optimist would hope that in light of recent years, the magic words "flood risk" will galvanise ALL the authorities into urgent physical action. Plenty of time later to prepare a defence in the event that Trotman sues.
 
Yes Trotman now a star on BBC local news crying in to his Champagne telling us that he's being victimised !!! Apparently all he's trying to do is earn an honest buck by helping with the housing problem with never a thought for himself practically a Marter you might say just a simple soul trying to do his best for mankind. One shining light in the interview for me anyway is that he is very fearful of coming down to the tidal Thames where moored because of the huge waves where the sirens might call his ships on to the rocks!!! ( not the PLA ) Hmm ��
 
Mirror Painter said:
Require pumping?
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Where do you start, fenders do not match, most certainly are not at the regulation height and whats even worse not even sure the vessel is flying the correct burgee in the approved position.... ?
Bout time somebody sent a stiff letter his club Hon. Sec.Methinks . ? :)
 
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That was a curious little piece on the BBC. Seperate clips of Molesey residents, Trotman, a lady who had stayed on one of the slumboats, and an EA bod. I don't think any of them were asked any questions! (or more precisely if they were replying to questions, we didn't get to hear the question).
I'm wondering what/who prompted the Beeb to do this piece, and I'm rather disappointed that they didn't take the opportunity to raise the environmental issues at all. They did reprise a clip from their prog last March with a surveyor pointing out fire risk. The lady who had lived aboard did not make it sound idyllic, but indeed Trotman was allowed to get away unchallenged with talking like a beleaguered saint, unable to escape upriver because his hulks are too big, or downriver because of vicious tides and waves.
 
Sandyman said:
Yes I saw the report. Those with complaints looked like a bunch of Tory NIMBY toffs. :)
Clearly never lived near the river back in the 50's & 60's.
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What's that got to do with the Thames in 2016? I remember when parts of Chiswick were a bit rough. Thank god for gentrification.
The only thing that doesn't change is there will always be a Trotman, trying it on and eventually spoiling it for everybody else.
 
teddington_lock said:
Trotman now clearing land just below Teddington Barge Lock my spies tell me.
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Thinking more about this he may not be intending to blarney or bludgeon the EA into letting Hui and the other barges go down. Rather perhaps a couple of the craft which look a bit more like river-worthy vessels, which it might be difficult for EA to resist.
That, plus perhaps acquiring one or more "new" lighters somewhere and bringing them up, to establish a new village in this area!
Please Lord, no.
 
We, ie "mine klub" were offered an old lighter for the princely sum of £1.00 ,which approximates to .01p post Brexit, :).
The proposal was to use it as a floating dock but on reflection the cost of sinking the piles to secure it,the conversion modifications and the constant on going mantainance put the kybosh on the whole idea.
Many local boatyards still use the concept.A week inside for around £75.00-£100 quid as opposed to a 2 x £150 quid lift out and £50.00 a week ashore.
 
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