--- In [email protected], "Tony Brooks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In [email protected], "Will Chapman \(at work\)" > <c4b@> wrote:
> > I think the point is that if we don't make the point and hammer > away at it no-one is going to do anything. > > > > We have an item on the agenda at the SOW open strategy meeting on > Oct 11th (at Lichfield Cruising Club) that asks what campaign issues > SOW should be adopting. We have some pretty influential people in > attendance - why not come along and suggest we get stuck into this > question? > > > > > Will, I do not see how this can even be a starter for SOW now because > I understood SOW intends to try to involve all waterways users and > that includes cyclists. There is no way in which you could open up > this debate without the grave danger that SOW splits into factions. > Well, that clearly is a matter of opinion. In my experience the way to solve problems with other people is to at least start a debate with them. The message SOW is trying to get over is that if we don't do something about it then there won't be much of a canal or towpaths to argue about. > This is why you have not had my £5. I do not see how you cane > safeguard the boaters' interests because to do so should, in all > equity, involve similar payments by other users. > Frankly, as long as boaters continue to pay the lions share of upkeep I think we should have the lion's share of what goes on. Yet, here we are somewhat mildly accepting significant increases to the costs of boating and many of us are content not to even raise issues that we believe are inequitable. In my opinion (and of others too) we have already made an impact. Govt have accepted the principle that it shouldn't just be Defra that contributes and there is much going on in the background from both Govnt and user groups to push that to its maximum advantage. I think you will see dramatic changes in he way that user groups begin to work together in the very near future. Whether you believe that we will have an effect of not, I must say that I am really disappointed that you can't even find your way to punt us a fiver to help us give it a shot. > Any way, the best of luck with the meeting. > Thanks, perhaps the outcome will help change your mind. Cheers Will
