Steve Haywood wrote: > On 20/02/07, Susan Burchett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Bob Adams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 2:15 PM >> Subject: [canals-list] Re: 3 4 March protests >> >> >>> In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Susan >>> Burchett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes >>> >>>> Are any protests being made to BW on the exorbitant cost rises being >>>> imposed on boaters? Electricity/pumpouts; moorings; Anderton Lift; and >>>> now BSC. It >>>> does seem never ending. >>>> Sue nb Nackered Navvy >>> Are you really, really surprised this is happening? >>> >>> Bob >>> -- >>> Bob Adams - email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >> No not really. BW are making the most of us being nice to them so they >> will >> hit us extra hard. > > > > Will, what is your feeling on this? You have often called for a 'truce' in > criticising BW during the battle with DEFRA over the cuts. But I see no sign > of that being reciprocated from Watford and it is is easy to see why Sue > feels the way she does. > We haven't discussed it at any length within SOW primarily becausewe have enough on our hands at the moment with preparation for March 3/4.
However, as I have said in another post, my initial reaction is that apart from the fact that all these increases add up to boating becoming an even more expensive hobby, I can't see much mileage in complaining about the increase in BSS charges. I take this view because I can anticipate that Defra will just turn it back on us by claiming that we (boaters) are not even willing to pay for our own safety. Also, a simple calculation of £180,000 (EA & BW subsidy) divided by 60,000 (boats on BW and EA waters) is £3/boat/pa times 4 = £12 which is exactly how much BSS have increased their charges. So no profiteering there (unlike BW's new pumpout charge). As for calling for a 'truce' during the cuts battle I don't think I suggested that held for current issues which clearly need to be addressed. What I find pointless and unhelpful to the campaign is going on about issues that are done and dusted (whatever one feels about the conclusion) when we should clearly be looking at the future. Notably, increases in charges for mooring, licensing, pumpouts etc., mooring availability, and, by defination, BSS (although as I said, IMO, not as a special case issue as it might bite back). Cheers Will -- Will Chapman Save Our Waterways www.SaveOurWaterways.org.uk
