Paul wrote: > The problem is that the waterways movement is split, it is ripe for > divide and rule tactics by government. The Scottish version of IWA has > gone. In England and Wales "Special Interest" groups look after their > own interests at the expense of all others. SOS was the first time some > of the groups got together. But, and on a mainly boating forum I expect > to be castigated for this, we need to have the support of anglers, > walkers, cyclists and all the others who enjoy the Waterways if we are > to stop a disaster for the waterways and a slide back to the conditions > of the 1950's
It would be such a shame if the system even reverted to that that existed when I first started boating, never mind the 50's. Cruiseways were tolerably well maintained, Remainder Waterways you boated at your own peril and couldn't expect BW to come out and sort problems if you chose to boat Remainders, there were no 'hit squad' gangs to come out and help. You had to be resourceful in managing water yourself; we even had to run water down to fill empty pounds and locks etc on the Wyrley and Essington. We have had a huge improvement overall until recent years and closed waterways reopened (Pennine crossings for example) but there are worrying signs of a reversion to what we had before. SOW tried to involve others groups and had some limited success during the protest blockades (Canoe Union for example) but lost momentum and had always found itself struggling against the barely disguised hostility of the IWA leadership of the time. It will be difficult to get anglers on board as they regard boaters as a bl**dy nuisance in the main so they won't be sorry to see waterways become impassable. It will be difficult to convert them because, no matter how much we tell them that the derelict canals will eventually become stinking ditches, they will only see the short term and the peace when the boats can't boat. Roger
