On 24/06/2010 16:52, Bruce Napier wrote: > I've just said this in the blog: > > >> For my money, wed be better to mothball some of the less popular >> and badly maintained routes until the wheel turns again, rather than >> struggle to keep the whole system going. That would lead to an >> acrimonious debate about which canals to close down for a bit, of >> course, but Im thinking of the ones which spend a lot of their time >> stopped anyway, so K&A, Huddersfield Narrow, Rochdale above >> Manchester... >> >> I await the howls of rage! >> >
No need to wait for the howl any longer. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! You have a very short memory Bruce. Once a canal is closed the speed of deterioration is exponential. Keeping canals open and used by boats, is the most financially efficient way. Yes, there will be random stoppages around the whole system, even in the summer (I refuse to use the term "Boating season" since I have an Annual Licence), but the Basingstoke shows how easy it is for waterways to go backwards once they are closed. This is the time we need to talk up the waterways at least until a decision has been made. There are ways of saving money by improved efficiency and using volunteers (without going the mutual route) if there is a will. The Shropshire Canal Society has shown what is possible if a Canal Society is allowed to roll up its sleeves and work at improving facilities, assets and the overall condition of its waterway. I see no reason why SUCS could not apply for grants from charitable trusts etc, without BW going down the 3rd Sector route. If a revitalised K&A Trust is allowed and has the will to do the same the K&A can turn the clock back 25 years. If the exceptionally beautiful Huddersfield & Rochdale Canals' Societies can also find new young blood from ALL users and are allowed to work to keep the canals open, there is no need for Bruce Beeching! -- WBW John www.nbepiphany.co.uk <http://www.nbepiphany.co.uk> Epiphany's current location from www.waterexplorer.co.uk NABO - the National Association of Boat Owners <http://nabo.org.uk> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canals-list/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canals-list/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
