News

BW Charity go-ahead

Proposals by British Waterways to change from being a nationalised industry to a charity have been given Government backing. The announcement proposes that the navigation authority's £500 million non-operational property portfolio (which brings in around £40 million in annual rentals) should be held in a ‘charity locked' arrangement, making it harder for future governments to use it as source of cash. BW Chairman Tony Hales welcomed "a tremendously innovative model for reinvigorating the waterways", while the Inland Waterways Association's Chairman Clive Henderson said the Association was "pleased to see the Government's intentions to ensure that the public interest is safeguarded, as this has been one of our overriding concerns".

Bridge blockage threat

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Bingley could shut for six months for a canalside housing development. An application to build 475 new homes alongside the canal between Bingley and Micklethwaite has sparked local opposition to the loss of

green space, and concerns that replacing Micklethwaite Swingbridge to improve road access could take six months. Debbie Lumb, British Waterways North West Manager, said the plans were "not a suitable option due to the length of time the canal was required to be closed".

BSS fees rise by £5

Fees for Boat Safety Scheme certificates have been increased by £5 - but will be pegged for four years. Boat examiners will now pay £29 plus VAT to the BSS Office for each certificate, a cost passed on to the owner as part of the examiner's bill for the four-yearly check. Defending the increase, BSS manager Graham Watts pointed out that this was the first rise in three years, and that it would be frozen until 2014.

Blowing hot and cold

Surprisingly despite this winter's freeze-up, canals have proved their worth at heating buildings - and can also cool us down in summer. In winter, canal water stays a few degrees warmer than the air, and a device called a heat-pump can turn that small difference into enough hot water to heat a building. At Church Minshull Marina, such a system kept the buildings above 19˚C through the coldest winter for 30 years. At the opposite end of the temperature scale, canal water can also cool buildings - but there have been worries that it would also warm up the canal and could affect wildlife. However recent research shows that systems can be designed to keep the canal cool enough to avoid harm.

‘Cheers' to the K&A

Mention Devizes to a canal boater and they'll think of the Kennet & Avon Canal. To a dedicated real ale drinker, the town means one thing - Wadworth's Brewery. So it's appropriate that the two have come together to mark the 200th anniversary of the canal with a cask ale called ‘K&A 200'. The first delivery of the new brew was taken by horse-drawn dray to Devizes Wharf for delivery by boat to the canalside Bridge Inn at Horton. The beer will be available in a selection of Wadworths pubs, on the Trust's trip boats and at the brewery shop.

Museums go local

Stoke Bruerne and Gloucester waterways museums are to lose their National Waterways Museum status and concentrate on more local roles. While the larger Ellesmere Port museum will tell the national story, the other two will work with local partners such as ‘Friends' groups and local authorities to concentrate more on local waterways history. Explaining the changes, spokeswoman Justine Lee said research showed that visitors to Stoke Bruerne and Gloucester were more interested in the story of their local canals and rivers.

Canal stables threat

Another historic canal building is under threat, with a plan to demolish a former boat horse stables block at Burscough on the Leeds & Liverpool. British Waterways, which sold the building in 2008, said the building was in poor condition, with no suitable new use identified, and that redevelopment would provide the best chance of preserving other old buildings on the former maintenance yard site.

Daventry says ‘no' to canal

Daventry residents have voted ‘no' in a local poll on a proposal to build a new arm linking the town to the Grand Union Canal. Last year Daventry District Council carried out a consultation that it said showed that more than 60 percent were generally positive about its plan. Daventry Town Council, on the other hand, expressed concern about the loss of existing green space and reported that its consultation showed 70 percent against. The poll result isn't binding on the District Council, but supporters of the poll said that it gave a clear indication of local people's views.

BSS warns of petrol risk

Petrol engines have led to 34 fires and explosions on boats, says the Boat Safety Scheme, many caused by generators and other portable tools rather than boat engines. The BSS Office has produced a list of safety tips including:

Store any item containing petrol on open decks or in drained fire resistant lockers.

Only ever keep fuel in purpose-made petrol cans.

Before fuelling or use, check equipment for damage that could lead to leaks.

Always take the equipment to the bank for refuelling.

Avoid using petrol appliances inside the cabin, or near vents, doors and hatches.

Work hopefuls boost BCN

The Black Country's waterways are benefiting from towpath repairs, bank protection, vegetation control, litter clearance and lock gate repainting by unemployed people - who in turn are benefiting from a chance to get back to work. The six-month scheme is part of the Government's Future Jobs Fund Programme and employs 100 people for three days a week."The participants will gain valuable experience that will help them in the job market and local communities will benefit from cleaner, more attractive canals", said British Waterways Contracts Manager Simon Turner.