NABOThe Magazine of the National NewsAssociation of Boat Owners Issue 2 April 2016

A FUNNY SMELL IN BRUMMAGEN OI! SLOW DOWN! NO! TIE UP PROPERLY! THE WATERWAYS OMBUDSMAN WRITES 2

The NABO Council General Sec, Promotion and Recruitment Chairman Richard Carpenter Mike Rodd Mill House End Farm, Leyland, Lancashire PR26 9HB, 07989 441674 or 01772 600886 16 The Garlings, Aldbourne, [email protected] Marlborough,Wiltshire SN8 2DT 07831 860199 [email protected] Regional Representatives Vice Chair, Moorings and NAG (moorings & licensing) NW Waterways Mark Tizard Stella Ridgway 0203 4639806, [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer North East, Yorkshire and Humber Helen Hutt Share Owners’ Representative 07831 682092, [email protected] Howard Anguish Legal Affairs 2 Broadley Croft, Welton, Brough, East Yorks Geoffrey Rogerson HU15 1TD, 01482 669 876 51 High Path Road, Guildford, GU1 2QQ [email protected], [email protected] 07768 736593, [email protected] London Waterways News Editor Simon Robbins Peter Fellows Nb Centurion, Kensal Green Moorings, Ladbroke 19 High Street, Bonsall, Derbyshire, DE4 2AS Grove W10 4SR, 0208 9644 516 01629 825267, [email protected] [email protected] Webmaster, NAG (operations) and BSS Rep. South East David S. Fletcher Geoff Wood 35 Williamson Drive, Nantwich CW5 5GJ 07968 491118, [email protected] 07719 276659, [email protected] Southern Waterways Regional Reps Coordinator Andy Colyer Stella Ridgway [email protected] [email protected] Rivers Technical, BSS and MCA Representative Stephen Peters (details left) Trevor Rogers Midlands Waterways 12 Greenham Mill, Newbury, Berks RG14 5QW David S. Fletcher (details left) 01635 550891 or 07990 594221 East Midlands Waterways [email protected] Joan Jamieson Continuous Cruising 60 Waddington Drive, Wilford Hill, Nottingham Phil Goulding NG2 7GX, 0115 981 2047 24 St Brannocks Park Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 [email protected] 8HX, 01271 865340, [email protected] Anglian Waterways Floating Traders vacant Paul Howland [email protected] 07443 635587, [email protected] Welsh Waterways Stephen Peters Mike Rodd (details left) 325 Alcester Road, Birmingham B47 6JG The Thames 01564 824927, [email protected] Graham Paterson Minutes Secretary 0118 986 3959, [email protected] Vacant Dennis Hill 07973 638866, [email protected] NABO Online facebook.com/master.nabo Additional Contacts Richard Carpenter Assistant For The Disabled vacant Twitter @NABO_Official [email protected] John Slee Administration Sue Burchett [email protected]

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 NABO News The magazine of the National Association of Boat Owners Issue 2 April 2016

Contents 4 Editorial 5 Chairman’s column 8 Fly on the Wall 9 News: CRT Council reports 10 Membership issues 11 Safety recalls, Timetable for reopening the Rochdale and Calder & Hebble. 12 Update licences for boaters without a home mooring. 13 Italian adventure for Rose of Hungerford, Thames waterway plan 14 Eastern consultations: 1) Middle level, 2) Cambridge moorings. 16 Mersey Gateway project. 17 Talking Points: A funny smell in Birmingham. 20 Boating: Roving Traders 22 Oi! Slow Down! 24 Complaints, all I hear is complaints..! 27 Goodbye to Tony, Crossword answers, Cover photo I name this boat This month’s cover photo, taken by the Editor, is South Midland's Clover and Fazeley, prepar- Next NABO News copy date ing for the Top at Stoke Bruerne on a bright spring morning. Articles, letters, cartoons and photos are most welcome. Images and photos in JPEG format Win a year’s free membership by having your please. photo selected for the front cover of NABO Please email or post your contributions to News. Please email photos as JPEG attachments, [email protected] by 30th April 2016. ideally portrait format with a file size of 2MB or larger.

NABO News is published by the National Association of Boat Owners PO Box 104, Leyland PR25 9AN Editor: Peter Fellows Production: Chris Pink

Whilst every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this newsletter are factually correct, we accept no liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from any action taken by anyone as a result of reading anything contained in this publication. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association. The products and services advertised in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the Association.

CRT Emergency No: 0800 4799947 EA Emergency No: 0800 807060 4 The Editor’s Column Some ups, some downs... Editor Peter Fellows keeps a poker face

on-CRT waterways are in the was severe and will cost millions and news this issue, with consulta- take months to put right). There is tions being undertaken over also news that CRT is to withdraw Nmoorings in Cambridge and man- three-month restricted licences for agement of the Middle Levels and a continuous cruisers who don’t cruise joint CRT/EA working group look- sufficiently, with Mark Tizard giving ing at the possibilities of CRT taking an update and restating NABO’s over other (mostly EA) waterways. position. I’ve also been in touch On CRT canals, there is an update with Alison Tuck over moves by Isis Spring on the Coventry on the timetable for reopening the Waterside Regeneration Ltd. to sell Canal Rochdale and Calder & Hebble Warwick Bar in Birmingham, with Photo: Peter Fellows (don’t hold your breath, the damage no consultation with tenants. Isis works closely with CRT Property and Alison is concerned that com- mercial considerations (CRT Property is an important source of income to the Trust) can outweigh protection of the waterside heritage. I am pleased to include an article by Andrew Walker, the Waterways Ombudsman, describing his role and remit in the post and also one from Nick Roberts, who reflects on the joint responsibilities of people with moored and moving boats to ensure that moored boats remain safe. The roving traders in this issue are Keri-Leigh and Daniel Reverie, who, in a more unusual article than others in this series, describe the first cruise with their new butty ‘Lyra’, attempting to get to a traders’ event at Huddlesford. I am playing it safe with any April Fool after a cer- tain amount of acrimony last year, but there are a couple of contenders that will make you question which is actually an April Fool (if indeed I have included one!). Finally, I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Tony Haynes. He is standing down and his contributions will be greatly missed. Now that warmer weather is on the way, enjoy the spring afloat.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 5 The Chairman’s Column ... and interesting times ahead Chairman Mike Rodd looks at the merger of EA navigational responsibili- ties into CRT

hree waterways-related publi- tions from EA to CRT, and before cations hit my desk this week: Christmas asked its members in CRT’s Trustees’ Annual Report constituencies with EA waterways Tand Accounts for 2014/5, IWA’s to write to their MPs in support of Spring Waterways magazine and the transfer. What I found intrigu- CRT’s Water Resources Strategy ing, though, is that much of the 2015-2020. In reverse order, we see magazine is devoted to pointing out the very best of what CRT’s profes- all the problems and issues with the sional staff can do, and how – when waterways that IWA suggests should they turn their minds to it – CRT be transferred to CRT. Given that can follow the very best practice in CRT is, as all boaters will know, fac- undertaking a consultation. ing an uphill battle to cope with its Whilst the document was pre- existing responsibilities, this raises pared by their staff, throughout the serious questions as to how it might exercise they offered their prime also cope with the issues so well users (boaters, who probably know highlighted by IWA and also with more about the canals than anyone else) the opportunity both to com- ment on the developing strategy If you think that managing the issues of and, where appropriate, to provide non-conforming boats on the canals is expert input. The final document is difficult, just go and talk to anyone at EA a superb analysis of all the issues to be considered in ensuring that our about their problems! waterways have sufficient water and, based on this, in developing a strat- the complexities of managing these egy for coping with problems that waterways. This is especially the might arise, or in the case of climate case where navigational responsibil- change, are already happening. This ities are inextricably integrated with is all close to my heart, as both the flood prevention and protection. waterways that I spend far too much Additionally, as I have learned time on (i.e. the K&A and the Mon since becoming involved with EA’s & Brec) have severe water provision waterways for NABO, if you think issues. that managing the issues of non- This edition of IWA’s Waterways, conforming boats on the canals is not surprisingly, has much on the difficult, just go and talk to anyone proposed merger of EA (and other) at EA about their problems! And do navigational responsibilities into we really want CRT to adopt EA’s CRT. IWA has welcomed the an- sledgehammer approach on the nouncement by CRT and the EA Thames for controlling overstay- that a joint working group will ex- ing on visitor moorings? NABO’s plore different options for managing Council has reiterated that CRT the river navigations currently man- should prove that it can effectively aged by the Environment Agency. Of manage its present responsibilities course, IWA has long campaigned to the waterways inherited from for the transfer of these naviga- BW, before it has to take on other

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 6 The Chairman’s Column

obligations. Also (and as we know, tect others from the consequences CRT Trustees agree), any finan- of things that happen on that boat. cial settlement must not impact on The fact nevertheless remains that CRT's present operations. NABO is if the boat next to mine catches fire, one of the few organisations that has or is producing CO, then surely that expressed this view to the Minister does have a third-party impact on responsible, but it is significant that me and on others nearby? I am sure the very well-supported and pow- that our representatives on the vari- erful River Thames Alliance has ous BSS committees will take this up also raised concerns. However, we as a matter of urgency. also realise that the decision will be In light of that, we were stag- largely a political one! gered to hear that the Lake District And the third report? What a National Park Authority has voted beautiful-looking document; but not to adopt the Boat Safety Scheme. a triumph of style over substance, This is despite the Marine Accident perhaps. Because – make no mis- Investigation Branch recommend- take – there are major issues to be ing that they should do so after a addressed. mother and daughter lost their lives in a CO tragedy on a boat on Lake One would hope that the long-promised, Windermere – a truly bizarre and inexplicable decision. but as yet seemingly unproductive, waterways partnerships would play a role Thank you to Trevor Rogers While on the topic of boat safety, it is in local fundraising. appropriate for me to thank Trevor Rogers for his many years of ser- More boat fires vice as a NABO representative on As I was writing this column, I saw various Boat Safety Committees, on NABO’s increasingly popular both within the BSS scheme and Facebook Page (thanks are due to on BSI committees. Trevor has also Mark Tizard) a report on yet anoth- served for many years on NABO er boat fire. As many will know, boat Council and on many other water- fires and, sadly, the resultant deaths, ways groups. He has now decided have been in the news too many that this is time to step down. I am times over the past few years. immensely grateful personally for The Boat Safety Scheme’s new all his guidance since I became requirements for hire-boats specify NABO Chair. He is the sort of per- that every hire-boat must have a son every committee needs – asking smoke alarm and those with solid the difficult questions and insisting fuel stoves, a carbon monoxide (CO) on clarity of decisions. Thank you alarm too. Many boaters are now Trevor. asking whether this should also ap- As we begin cruising again, the ply to our private boats. We know K&A has seen much very welcome that most boaters would not even winter work, some of which was think twice about the need to fit totally unplanned, like the million them. However, the counter-argu- pound repairs at the Caen Hill flight. ment has always been that the Boat And even though we know that CRT Safety Scheme is there not so much will have to raid its dredging pro- to protect the boat owner (i.e., if you gramme to cope with the damage Photo: Mick Fitzgibbon want to kill yourself, so be it) but as caused to many canals in the win- a third-party scheme aimed to pro- ter floods, we are being promised NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 7

some dredging, largely to help solve Welsh economy and I hope that the The pound drained for water provision problems. For my Welsh Assembly can be persuaded repairs to the towpath at Devizes Hungerford-based trip boat (whose to recognise that by making a finan- Photo: Diane Vose / Devizes main purpose at the moment is cial contribution. Gaette and Herald to raise funds to help the urgently I raise this as there can be no required restoration work at the doubt that in the years ahead, CRT Crofton Pumping Station) we hope will have to prioritise its spend- to be able to return to our longer trip ing. One would hope that the charters as, at long last (after two long-promised, but as yet seemingly years!), various broken paddles have unproductive, waterways partner- been fixed. ships would play a role in such local I hate to say it, but the Mon & fundraising. Sadly, as on the K&A, Brec continues to be a real drain the partnerships covering Wales on CRT’s funds. This year yet more (and yes, we are special, so we have canal relining was required and three!) seem to just produce lovely when undertaking some seemingly reports and promises (is there a pat- routine work on the aqueduct at tern here?). Goytre Wharf, it was discovered So, some ups and some downs – that the problems were much more and some interesting times ahead. serious and a major project had to Nonetheless, the trees are budding, be instigated. As one of the top tour- the daffs have long been out and the ist attractions in South Wales, this cut lies waiting; we wish you a good wonderful waterway is crucial to the summer! NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 8

NABO Council, March 12th 2016 Fly on the wall Observes proceedings at March’s Council meeting

ouncil’s first visit to Tamworth on, it could negotiate a contract to Boat Club—a warm welcome manage the rivers—if the price is and a hot lunch from the club. right—but the low-cost model of CThree Council members in hospital managing the Thames with fewer or recently discharged, the others resident lockkeepers (in preparation offered their best wishes. The meet- for a ‘sale’?) is not sustainable. NABO calendar 2016 ing was joined by Keith Astley of the Councillors attended loads of Council Meetings in 2016: CBOA. meetings, including the National April 23rd, June 11th, CRT will stop issuing three- Advisory Group, which is mapping July 23rd (if required), month licences in May for locations of canal services and spot- September 3rd, October continuous cruisers who do not ting gaps in provision. Flood damage 15th, November 12th cruise enough. Figures now show in the North came to around £15m, (includes AGM). 1130 boats didn’t move far enough but apart from £5.5m for a new Council meetings are out of 5600 CC licences issued last bridge at Elland the government has held at boat clubs in the year—20% rather than the previous, not funded any of the repairs. Local Midlands area—see the much-quoted, 66%. NABO can un- volunteer help and a raid on existing website for details. derstand why three-month licences budgets are expected to make good Remember that members will go—boaters only need to move the damage. Next winter’s stoppage are welcome to attend a minimum of 15-20 miles per year, programme is out for consultation meetings—please just let the Secretary or and CRT’s admin costs must be and NABO reps are impressed with Chairman know in much higher for these licences. One the prioritisation being carried out advance (contact details CC Council member has found the by Julie Sharman, CRT’s head of as- inside front cover) rules on movement and ‘place’ not set management and performance. consistent and are being interpret- Apparently, canoeists want to use ed differently by CRT staff. It now more canal tunnels and the horror seems that a ‘place’ is actually a 1 km stories from members are abundant stretch of canal, so you must move - but they tick a lot of boxes with at least a kilometre every 14 days. CRT and may yet get their way. Except some signs on the southern At a BSS meeting, BSS examiners Grand Union require you to move to had been asked to include carbon the next ‘place’, which can be 3 km monoxide monitoring, but they re- away! NABO will seek clarification. fused. Also there are issues about CRT’s takeover of EA waters is smoke from boat stoves in smoke- back on the agenda again, apparent- free areas, especially in London, but ly pushed forward by Government. this is largely ignored elsewhere. The EA/CRT working party has had Have you heard a rumour that BSS a close look at the Thames and will may be outsourced? examine other waterways over the Everyone thanked long-standing next months. NABO retains the Council member, Trevor Rogers, for view that CRT has to demonstrate his BSS inputs, guidance, and ask- that it can manage its own water- ing the difficult questions to clarify ways sustainably before taking on issues, as he stood down from the the extra commitments. Council Council. Warmer days now, so I’ll be members were sure that once CRT buzzing off to the Fens for a while .... realises what it is expected to take Byeeee. NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 9 News Report from the CRT Council Boating reps, Andrew Phasey and Stella Ridgway, offer views on their first CRT Council meeting.

Andrew communication and fundraising, all provided in- he atmos- formative briefs, with occasional humour, on their phere outside areas of responsibility. Much of this strategic level the Museum of stuff, looking at the recent past (flooding) and TLiverpool was bracing; well into the future (EA navigations and funding), inside it was warmer. demonstrated that serious issues which affect us Introductions were all are being given proper consideration. made and slide presen- From my perspective, a key element of the tations delivered as we day was the invitation to raise matters of interest newbies, elected, ap- for discussion at our September meeting. Trust pointed, or co-opted, Chair, Alan Leighton, agreed that one topic will be were inducted onto ways in which we boaters’ representatives might Council. The December elections were discussed authoritatively report to our constituents. To be and mistakes acknowledged. Richard Parry had clear; I, with my elected colleagues, represent met with the Electoral Reform Services chief recreational boaters. I will use the opportunities executive and a reduction in fees payable was Council provides to raise issues that concern us. agreed. Richard also briefed us on current ac- As Alan Leighton pointed out, all issues are lo- tivities. Lynne Berry, chair of the Appointments cal to someone and deserve attention. I have a Committee, Julie Sharman, head of asset man- list, generated by boating friends and others who agement and performance, Sandra Kelly, head of I have not yet met. Now, it’s your turn to let me finance and Sophie Castell, director of marketing, know what you think – feel free to drop me a line.

Stella got lots of reports about flooding, financials etc. t was my firstActually, the one thing that came out of it was that Council meeting, neither boaters nor friends feel valued. However, so I have nothing the Council members get that and are exploring a Ito compare it with. system that will tell them who is where and what; On reflection, I felt at present, they don’t cross-reference who is a we could have got boater + volunteer + friend, volunteer + friend. more out of the day I get the impression that the main work of if all the reports were Council comes outside this forum. The boaters’ circulated ahead of reps have a meeting with Mike Grimes, the Head the meeting, so more of Boating, in April that will be really useful. I discussion could take hope I manage to change a few people's percep- place. Nothing much tion of a liveaboard continuous cruiser and I further was achieved as it was the first meeting, so certainly hope to try and make a difference. more of a meeting people; but we have asked for It should be noted that on International a different format, in order to provide feedback Women's Day, half of the executive team at the rather than being talked at. This group consists Trust are women and I hope the predominance of mainly of people who have no boating experience white middle aged men will change over time on (apart from us, your boaters’ reps!) and so you Council and within the Trustees.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 10 News Membership Matters

he current membership team has been in place for two years, and we are seeing Members’ Boat Insurance the administrative benefit of updating our Coming Soon Trecords, chasing up the non-payers, and identi- fying those who have moved on without telling As we go to press with this issue of NABO us. Most of our time is spent not on the routine, News, negotiations on a members’ boat but following up the queries and non-responses. insurance offering are being finalised. If we send you a renewal notice, all that we ask is that you read and respond to it, particularly if Full details in the next issue and also your detailsl or circumstances have changed. in the end of April Bulletin. In the We are progressing with the move away from meantime, for further information please standing order payments to our Santander ac- email [email protected] count. A big thank you to all members who have helped with this. Every member to which this to a standing order? applies has been written to and only a handful We are still very focused on paper systems remain to complete the changeover. If you want with renewals going out this way. Some mem- to double check now, the sort codes of our banks bers do ask us to send membership renewals by are Barclays 20-37-13 and Santander 09-01-51. email and we are happy to do this. Just send us a Most of our members pay by standing or- message or you can request this online in your der….. if you don't, please consider it. It saves on membership records page. Please only do this if administration time, and means we can spend email is a regular part of your life. There is no more of our time boating too. We will send de- use asking for correspondence in this way if you tails with your renewal. Most new members never look at email. And not to worry, we will not these days join with PayPal, because it can be be going all-email any time soon. We know that done online there and then. This is great, and most of our membership prefer to have paper easy on administration, the only downside being communication. it costs us about £1 per payment. If you pay by And finally, we understand that members sell PayPal, is there a chance that you could change their boats and go ashore. It is part of the normal cycle of membership that we have always seen. Please tell us if that applies to you. If you con- tinue to receive NABO News after your renew date has passed, it is a sure indication that we are hoping and expecting you will renew. We do not cut this off for a couple of months in case you are away boating and missed the renewal. Just let us know; it saves our time writing again, and check- ing and rechecking. Thank you for all your assistance and all the best from the Membership Team

Interested in sharing a boat? There are more than 220 shared-ownership narrow- boats and around 20 of them that have available shares will be at the National Boat Share Show at Braunston Marina on 23—24th April. www.boatshare4u.co.uk for details

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 11 News Safety recalls Novacomet LPG Regulators Clesse Industries, which makes the ‘Novacomet’ LPG regulator, has issued an immediate recall of its BP1803 products, used with both propane and butane cylinders. The recall involves all cylinder-mounted, wall- mounted single cylinder and two-cylinder manual changeover versions Kidde Fire Blankets made between June 2010 and September 2015. Kidde Safety Europe Ltd. has issued an imme- If your regulator is one of these models, made diate recall of its ‘Kidde’ or ‘Lifesaver’ 1 m² fire between these dates, register your details at blankets with the Kitemark Licence Number uk.clessesafetynotice.com or call free on 0800 35021 on the container. There is a risk that the 088 5545. Clesse will supply a free replacement affected fire blankets may not fully extinguish an BP1803 regulator and contribute to the cost of oil pan fire and/or they may allow the fire to re- the product exchange. BSS manager, Graham ignite after application of the fire blanket. Watts, added: “When the replacement arrives, If you have this type of fire blanket, call Kidde use a qualified registered gas engineer to fit the on Freephone 0800 917 0722 to arrange a re- new regulator and check that the gas system is placement, or email [email protected] operating safely. Also keep a note of the age of or see www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk for more your regulator and replace it if it is more than ten information. Kidde will supply a new FB1 model years old whatever the make or model.” 1.1 m² blanket as a replacement.

Timetable for the Rochdale and Calder & Hebble

CRT aimed to reopen the be- so timescales are less clear. Flood-related works tween and Hebden Bridge are estimated to cost just over £15m (with £5.5m and the Calder & Hebble Navigation between from the government for works at Elland Bridge). Cooper Bridge and Figure of Three Locks in time for Easter. By early summer it hopes to reopen the Rochdale west from Hebden Bridge towards Lock 15 and the Calder & Hebble between Salterhebble and Cooper Bridge. In July, new bridge foundations and concrete arches at Elland Bridge and Crowther Bridge will enable the canal to be reopened to boats while rebuilding the bridges take place. This will open the canal from Hebden Bridge to and the Broad Canal. After the summer, the remaining work will involve repairing the breach and landslip on the Elland Bridge Rochdale, which are major engineering jobs and Photo: RCR NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 12 News

Boaters without a home mooring No more three-month licences

rom May, CRT will remove the option of offered 3- or 6-month restricted licences. Such a three-month restricted licence for boat- a dramatic drop in non-compliance would tend ers without a home mooring who have not to indicate that either the original headline fig- Fmoved sufficiently. In a review of licences issued ures offered a year ago were inaccurate, or there to boats without a home mooring during the has been a dramatic increase in movement—the year to March, the movement patterns of just answer we suspect lies somewhere in the middle. over 5600 boaters were monitored. Of the 1130 reduced licences offered, only About 40% were subject to a more detailed re- around 2% of the 5600 boats without a home view for a variety of reasons, of which 1130 were mooring entered enforcement or remain offered a restricted licence. 652 boat owners unlicensed. This is a lower percentage than un- took up restricted licences, of which 220 remain licensed boats generally, which is around 4% of within the restricted licence period and 432 the total. This demonstrates (as NABO has of- have expired licences. 268 boaters showed im- ten stated) that the vast majority of continuous provement in their movement patterns and were cruisers happily go about their boating below allowed a further licence. 96 people sold their CRT’s enforcement radar. boat, obtained a home mooring or moved away It would be interesting to discover how many from CRT waters, and 68 were refused a further of those boats that received a reduced licence are licence, of which 45 remain in the enforcement not live-aboard, but are just moved around the process. system to avoid paying for a home mooring. Mark Tizard adds: What of the future? In January 2015 at a meeting between CRT and CRT has announced that it intends to stop of- the national boating organisations, NABO was fering reduced-term licences unless there are given a presentation by Denise Yelland, Head of strong extenuating circumstances. So if boaters Enforcement. This outlined the scale of the prob- are unsure of their cruising range it is important lem CRT was having with boats moving very that they check it with CRT well before their li- little or not at all and outlined a strategy to tackle cence expires. NABO has this. The headline figures were 16% of all boats supported CRT’s enforcement without a home mooring moved less than 5 km action against boats that over- and a further 50% moved between 5 and 20 km. stay or do not move. Beyond So 66% of boats—some 3240 of 5400—cruised that, NABO believes it is for less than 20 kilometres during the licence peri- CRT as the navigation author- od. The associations were all broadly in favour of ity to declare what pattern of the strategy and CRT was then going to seek ap- movement satisfies it as ‘bona proval from the trustees to proceed with it. fide’ for navigation. With this CRT’s new strategy came into force on 1st in mind we believe the current March 2015. So where are we just over one year guidelines give a reasonable ex- later? Anecdotally, members tell us that boats pectation of what is required. do seem to be moving further, although we still Hopefully CRT can now switch receive reports of boats not moving, with no some of its focus to ensure that obvious sign of enforcement. CRT published an more towpath mooring is avail- update on 1st March 2016, which shows that the able in popular or congested percentage of boats not moving in an acceptable areas through spot dredging, pattern has dropped from 66% to 20%. 1130 of together with the provision of 5600 boats have been refused a full licence and additional facilities.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 A Rose in Venice13 Byline An Italian adventure for the ‘Rose of Hungerford’

During a 2014 visit to the UK by the Italian Association for the Partly Abled, its dele- gates were highly impressed by the facilities aboard the K&A Canal Trust trip-boat ‘Rose of Hungerford’. They explained that, de- spite the popularity of their world famous canal network in Venice, there were no sim- ilar trip-boats operating there. In late 2015, the Rose of Hungerford was transported by low-loader to Italy and lowered into the Venetian lagoon at Porto Marittimo on the eastern side of the island for a six-month tri- al. Despite its successful operation on routes around the island and along the Grand Canal, handling the Rose of Hungerford through most of the narrow canals that criss-cross Venice with their low bridges ‘Rose of Hungerford’ proved to be too difficult. As a result, the squeezing through a trial was abandoned after two months and Venice canal the Rose of Hungerford was returned to its Photo Steve Barriff home waterway by April 1st.

Geographical spread of restricted licences: the diagram shows enforcement areas in which the 652 Thames waterways restricted licences have been issued. plan 2015-2021 After an extensive programme of consultation and discussion, the River Thames Alliance (RTA) published its controversial waterways plan in February. It has 52 action points contained in seven sections, which focus on the most chal- lenging problems and those aspects of the river where real improvement is possible during the lifetime of the plan, each decided by RTA mem- bers:. For the period of the plan, the EA is expected to continue as the navigation authority for the non-tidal Thames and navigation funding is as- sumed to continue at around its current level. The plan will be revised if these or other as- sumptions prove to be incorrect. The plan will determine the future policy of RTA and give the organisation the authority to lobby and influence the relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies. Details are available at www.thames-alliance. co.uk

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 14 News - Eastern Consultations Middle levels —on proposals for amended navigation legislation

The Commissioners are seeking your views on he Middle Level Commissioners require the registration of boats these proposals before are the navigation authority using the waterways, including 30th June 2016. for the 100 miles of navigable the ability to charge for over- Details are available at Twaterways in Cambridgeshire and staying maximum time limits at www.middlelevel.gov.uk/ Norfolk. moorings; Navigationconsultation. The Commissioners are con- allow arrangements with other aspx, with replies marked cerned that the legal framework that navigation authorities such as the ‘Navigation Consultation governs the navigation is out of date mutual recognition of registra- Response’ by post to and does not align with the statu- tions and licences; The Clerk, Middle Level Commissioners, 85 tory framework applicable to other temporarily close sections of wa- Whittlesey Road, March, navigation authorities. They have terways for work to be carried out PE15 0AH, or by e-mail therefore decided to seek both new or for holding events, including to admin@middlelevel. powers and the amendment or re- the power to close Well Creek for gov.uk. peal of some obsolete provisions of periods between 1st December the Middle Level Acts 1810-74, the and 1st March to enable the tra- Nene Navigation Act 1753 and the ditional fenland pastime of ice Wisbech Canal Act 1794. The provi- skating to take place; sions contained in revised legislation remove sunken, stranded and would: abandoned vessels and recover give greater powers to the the costs of doing so where the Commissioners to manage the owner fails to act; waterway and allow them to pro- require boats to have insurance; vide increased facilities; introduce up-to-date byelaws for enable them to levy charges and management of the navigation.

The Middle Levels at Upwell Photo: Helen Dobbie

Middle Level link Other navigable ML waterways Un-navigable ML Waterways

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 15 News Cambridge moorings —Council proposals to adopt the Ely civil contract model

anagement of the River Cam is shared between Mthe Conservators, a statu- tory body that acts as the navigation authority, and Cambridge City Council which owns stretches of the river inside the city bounda- ries. There are also several private riparian owners. The City Council manages resi- dential and visitor mooring through a river moorings policy that licenses moor- ings on designated areas of the riverbank, and also sets standards that licence hold- ers are required to maintain, dovetailing with the naviga- tion licence required by the Cam Conservators. At present, the Council in Oxford and has been adopted Visitor Moorings at Jesus does not have bylaws to regulate by Spelthorne Borough Council Green use of its moorings, so the regula- and East Cambridgeshire District Photo: Fiona Slee tory and enforcement options are Council. limited. The alternative to regulation In February, the City Council The results of the through bylaws is for the Council conducted a consultation of local consultation may be to adopt a civil contract law-based boaters and others on the proposal found at tinyurl.com/ approach, which provides for two to introduce the civil contract law jju3cga. options: 1) to bring civil claims for approach to the management of trespass by court action, which has moorings. The proposals are to re- already successfully been used to tain the existing provision of free move unauthorised boaters; 2) to 48-hour visitor moorings with no bring civil action for breach of li- return for 7 days, to introduce free cence terms that are a contract for 6-hour moorings with no overnight the non-exclusive use of a defined stay or return for 7 days on all other mooring for a fixed period of time. moorings owned by the Council, Any debt recovery action would and to charge for overstaying or be added to the charge and the for mooring without a licence. At Council would have the right to re- the end of March, the Community move a vessel and, in the event of Services Scrutiny Committee ap- non-payment, sell the vessel. This proved the introduction of the ‘civil approach has been successfully tri- enforcement’ scheme for its 48-hour alled by the Environment Agency visitor moorings.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 16

Mersey Gateway Project David Fetcher will just have to stop singing 'Ferry... acrose the Mersey’

Silver Jubilee Bridge will be tolled, but they will be free for local resi- dents to cross. The new bridge design is based on a cable-stayed structure similar to the second Severn Crossing but with three towers. The 80m high central tower will be shorter than the two outer towers, which will be 110m high (north tower) and 125m high (south tower). Including the approach viaducts on each side, it will be 2,130 metres long with a river span of 1,000 metres. The approach viaducts will cross high above the Runcorn spur of the Bridgewater There are many more new road bridge crossing over Canal to the east of Runcorn, and details including live the Mersey between the towns the unrestored Sankey (St Helens) web cams at the project of Runcorn on the south and Canal just upstream from the Sankey website at www. AWidnes on the north bank will run Basin. merseygateway.co.uk from Junction 12 of the M56 in The bridge is so large that a tem- the south to the A562 Speke Road porary causeway has been built in Widnes in the north. This is a across the Mersey so that manpower major construction project and a and materials can be delivered to the much needed extra crossing for the three tower construction sites. The river. Work started in May 2014 and tower foundations are now in place completion is planned for 2017. A in the river bed, and this summer new six-lane toll bridge will link will see the dramatic bridge spans the towns and will relieve the con- grow step by step. The roadworks gestion on both the ageing riveted on the approaches have been caus- steel Silver Jubilee Bridge, and the ing traffic disruptions for two years, M6 Mersey crossing. The Mersey and this is going to get worse before Gateway Bridge will be a landmark it gets better. A good place to see structure that will be recognisable the project is from the north bank at throughout the north west and be- Spike Island, adjacent to the Sankey yond. Both the new bridge and the Basin.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 17 Talking Points A funny smell in Birmingham Why the rush to sell Warwick Bar? Editor Peter Fellows sniffs the air.

n 1950s’ and 60s’ Birmingham, shop, an aerial theatre company, ar- Further information there was always a strange mix- chitects and printers. A quarter of from Pamela Pinski at Digbeth is Good (www. ture of smells that hung in the air an acre of derelict canalside land has digbeth.org) in February Iat Aston, caused by the HP sauce been converted into an ‘edible park’, and at www.warwickbar. factory and the adjacent Ansells maintained by a community of grow- co.uk brewery and steam locomotive yard. ers including local residents, social Today, a different metaphoricalentrepreneurs and artists, which Isis Waterside odour hangs over Warwick Bar a few regularly hosts festivals including Regeneration Ltd is miles away near the city centre. the Birmingham Food Festival on jointly owned by the This 3.5 acre site is contained by its canalside space. The site has been Canal & River Trust and studied and praised for its consid- Muse Developments, part “We found out by ered and pioneering approach to of Morgan Sindall Group accident when a development, named ‘slow archi- plc. tecture’ by academic studies. The company invests prospective buyer visited However, unlike CRT’s public 50% of its profits into the the site, claiming if his consultation on proposals for regen- waterways. eration and housing development at isisregeneration.co.uk bid was successful we Bulbourne Yard and workshops on would be off the site in the Southern Grand Union (http:// bulbourneyard.co.uk), there has six months, regardless of been a lack of consultation and re- the leases we held, as the sulting uncertainty over the future site was to be flattened” of Warwick Bar. Tenants discovered in February that Isis intended to sell the leasehold, with contracts to be the Digbeth Branch Canal, the Grand exchanged before the end of March and the River Rea. Until and the winning bidder owning the March, the site was owned by Isis leasehold for the next 150 years. Waterside Regeneration. According After discovering the sale by chance, to its website, Isis is ‘committed to doing things differently with a focus on the flexible use and a cultural- led approach, working closely with the network of tenants to establish a creative, mixed-use neighbourhood which celebrates new ideas and facil- itates innovation.’ The area includes Grade II listed buildings on Fazeley Street, Warwick Wharf, the Banana Warehouse and Minerva Works. It has a small industrial estate of 21 units, occupied by a range of tenants including artist-led initiative Grand Union Studios, an artist materials NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 18 Byline

Warwick Bar stop lock and leaseholder Alison Tuck encouraged Enterprise Zone, any development banana warehouse Photo: Oosoom/Wikipedia other residents to write to local MPs. would potentially benefit from a less She commented: “None of the ten- stringent planning process and oth- ants were informed of the impending er forms of business support. John sale. We found out by accident when Gordon, Chair of Digbeth Residents’ a prospective buyer visited the site, Association, said: “It is question- claiming if his bid was successful we able that the suggested secrecy, would be off the site in six months, restricting the number of potential regardless of the leases we held, as purchasers and unnecessary haste the site was to be flattened.” are in keeping with achieving the ex- The speed and timing of the sale pectations which are rightly placed has raised a number of questions on charities. On this occasion, a and concerns: could this be a ‘fire longer, more considered approach sale’, being rushed through before may benefit everyone.” On hearing the end of the financial year? The about the intended sale, Councillor Grand Union Gallery and site might be attractive to develop- Tahir Ali (the city’s Cabinet Member Studios provide creative ers wishing to use it for high density for Development, Transport and the working space for some housing; such a proposal was sug- Economy) expressed his view that: of the best contemporary artists in Birmingham gested a few years ago, but didn’t “…as a city, we clearly welcome eco- Photo: grand-union.org.uk reach the formal planning stage. nomic development, but it should As the site is within Birmingham’s always be conducted in a way that is respectful of our heritage and mindful of the communities that live and work here.” Alison added: “Isis Waterside Regeneration has removed the right to make repre- sentations on the sale of the current long-term lease. It has also removed an avenue to negotiate the type of regeneration and scrutiny of conser- vation plans for the heritage of the canals and properties that are held in trust for the nation.” Because of the level of concern over the proposed sale, the ten- ants held a meeting in March with Richard Parry and Stuart Mills, CRT’s Property Director, at which

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 19 Talking Points

As we go to press we've heard that the site has been sold to the Homes and Communities Agency, which ‘helps create successful communities by making homes and business premises available to residents and businesses who need them’. It is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Dept. for Communities and Local Government (www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-and-communities-agency).

Richard made it clear that CRT has no say in the sale. Alison comment- ed: “I find this puzzling, since CRT holds 50% of the shares in Isis and Stuart Mills is also one of four direc- tors of Isis. Isis pays CRT Property to manage the site along with commer- cial agents Colliers International. Richard also said that it isn’t a fire sale, it is speculative and no decision has been made. To date Isis has had six bids and Stuart Mills said they will consider the quality of the bids and the plans for the site before a de- cision is made. I know of one bid for the site that was for £2.5-3 million by a community interest company that wanted to keep Minerva Works and complete the slow regeneration using the land for their education projects. They were told outright it would not be considered because the minimum Isis will accept is £4 the heritage of buildings, just the Minerva Works, housing million cash”. waterway. I have been having a dis- 21 small businesses at the heart of Warwick Bar, At the meeting, the tenants asked cussion about what they mean by known as Birmingham’s for at least six months to get funds commercial activities of property cultural quarter in place to enable them to submit a and this has left me deeply worried Photos: warwickbar.co.uk bid, but were told that there wasn’t for the site (and for the wider her- time as Isis aimed to complete the itage of the canals). I have not been sale by 31st March. The tenants also reassured that they will look after it asked for commonality of lease end as required in their charter, but will dates so that businesses won’t suffer let it disappear on the grounds that because of the site looking deserted they need the money for navigation. (say to 2020 when the HS2 redevel- I am still arguing for a better way opment—the ‘big city plan’—kicks of managing the property portfolio. off in Birmingham) but again were Minerva works has shown that de- told there wasn’t enough time due to velopment can take place with little the March deadline. or no upfront capital expenditure. It Alison commented: “I am deeply just takes a little longer to reap the concerned about the heritage of the benefits. It takes vision and a dif- site. Richard Parry and Stuart Mills ferent way of thinking about uses keep referring to the commercial- for property other than a commer- ity of the property portfolio and cial development site, which is what that they do not have to maintain CRT Property is currently doing.” NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 20 Boating Roving traders: Reverie Canal Trading Cº.

A look at people who make a living from waterway-based trading. This time, it’s Keri-Leigh and Daniel Reverie

e started trading 12 months ago, mak- ing and selling bespoke soya wax candles and gifts from our Mr WJingles! Our gifts are all made aboard and mainly Lyra, in the 1970s, worked from metal. As you can imagine, working and by Tim and Andy Collier. living in the same 60ft of space was starting to Photo: Michael Fincher become challenging and we decided we needed to invest everything and make it work! 'Go hard or go home' I suppose, although that home would Lyra likely not be on the canal, so to continue to live The history of Lyra that we know so far is as the lifestyle we have chosen and to continuously follows, but I am sure we will find out lots more as cruise we had to make it work! So please step for- we go: ward butty ‘Lyra’. Lyra is a 1935 Northwich Star Class Butty, 1935—Built by Yarwoods for G.U.C.C and paired with Enceladus. built by W.J. Yarwood and Sons, a yard I am sure many of you have passed, tucked away on the 20/09/1935—Registered with G.U.C.C fleet, number 306. in Northwich. Our Journey with Lyra started a fair few 1948—entered the BWB fleet at nationalisation. months ago when we went to see her down in 1968—sold by BWB to Barry Lycett. Gloucester at R.W Davis Ltd. In fact, it started 1970—working for T&A Collier Brothers carrying a long time before that when we would look coal etc., paired with Elstree. Detailed in their longingly at her advert on the internet. The op- book “An Affair With the Cut’”. At this time Lyra portunity arose and we placed a deposit, but was also used by the scouts for camping trips we were unable to collect her until September. (did they all have black faces after camping?). We went down to Gloucester with two weeks to 1978— owned by Pete Fincher for two years. spare until our next event at Huddlesford—our Then a gap until 2007. first long trip on a river too! Mr Jingles, our mo- 2007—owned by Ben Selfe and used as his tor boat, was flawless for the whole trip. workshop at Saul Junction for his business Knot It was the first time in many, many years Krazy fender making/rope work. that Lyra had been on the narrow canals. Our Around 2010—R.W. Davis & Sons purchased Lyra initial plan was to come off at Worcester and up from Ben and completed necessary works. Tardibigge, a mean feat I know but we had hired 2015—We purchased Lyra from R.W. Davis & Sons in help for the trip up. However we didn't make and for the first time in a long time she is back on it far enough to need the help—well we did end the narrow canals ready to work again. up needing help but of a different kind! We got If anyone can add to, or correct us on any errors, five locks up from Worcester and at lock 6 we please email: [email protected]. stopped dead—Lyra had become wedged in the lock entrance. After much flushing and pulling

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 21

Roving traders: in either direction, rather tired and in one lock, but a good snatch with More information fed up we gave in and contacted the motor saw us in) to Tixall via and canalside trading CRT who came at 9pm with a winch Penkridge (which is also known for dates; facebook.com/ to pull us back out of the lock! We being a bit tight lock-wise, but we reveriegifts Reverie Canal Trading Cº. had been in there for five hours, to fitted in fine). the dismay of the hire-boats queuing Then onwards to the T & M to behind who had just started their Fradley, onto the Coventry and to holidays. It seemed the lock en- Huddlesford by Friday morning! It trance has slipped over time, making was nice to stop for a weekend after it narrower than it once was. some very long days and to catch The next morning we decided to up with some familiar faces. Lyra take the motor up the next lock, turn also got to attend her first event in around and take Lyra backwards for many years. The first of many more a couple of miles until we could turn to come as ‘Oooo I dunno Reverie her and head back to the Severn and Canal Trading Company’. go to Stourport. I was glad we were at We’re sure there will be many least moving in a forwards direction, more challenges ahead or life would albeit very worried that we stood no be rather dull. Our metal will be test- chance of making Huddlesford after ed (that goes for us and the boats) wasting a day or more going in a di- but it makes an interesting story to rection it ended up we couldn't go in. tell. Next year things will be differ- We came through Stourport, up ent and Lyra needs to earn her keep, through Kinver along the Staffs & after all she is an historic working Worcs (where it did get a little tight boat, part of a modern working pair!

NABO News 22 Talking Points Oi!... Slow Down! A recent article on CRT's Boaters' Update sparked a fierce debate than is close to many NABO member’s hearts Long-time boater, Nick Roberts, reflects on the problem of speeding boats and offers some advice.

First published in e all have our bugbears but, way, if the mooring has no slack Boaters’ Update December 2015 certainly in the inland boat- then the boat can’t move. ing world, one of the most Direction: a mooring rope (even Wcommon refrains I hear is ‘…going a tight mooring rope) will only too fast past moored boats…’. prevent movement in line with its As a narrowboater of 40 years direction of pull (its 'lead'). who is also a retired Master Mariner I’ll elaborate on that second point— on ships from ferries to supertank- a rope at right angles to the boat—a ers, I’d like to take breast line—will stop the boat from a deep intake of moving off the bank, but it will do breath and sug- very little to stop the boat mov- gest that we don’t ing along the berth. A rope running have this prob- along the length of the boat—a lem properly spring line—on the other hand, will addressed on the stop the boat from moving along the cut. Is having all length of the berth—one from each boats passing all end, in opposite directions—but moored boats at won’t keep the boat alongside. The tickover desirable ropes at 45 degrees to the boat— or necessary? I head line, stern line—are fine in think not. tranquil conditions, but will al- That said,low the boat to move when another any boat pass- passes if there is any backwash at all. ing a moored one If the ropes are slack, or fixed to a must, of course, pin that can easily pull out or move, show respect or taken to/from the boat at a steep for the moored angle, or even too elastic, then they craft—especially will significantly contribute to the in narrow and passing boat problem … potentially Who's to blame? shallow canals. It must also slow even if that boat is on tickover. down appropriately by judging the But the only thing that will stop Speeding hire boat ? backwash the boat is causing. In a boat from moving along the berth Photo: Lesley Kimantas the worst conditions that may mean is when it hits the boat in front or or not properly moored? tickover, but it should also be in- behind. Four ropes rigged, tight, as Photo: Sue Hunter cumbent on the moored boat to be a breast line and spring from both … well … safely moored! At the risk ends would keep her safe. We need of telling some what they already to give a little more thought to those know, consider these two principles: moorings and see avoiding a moored Tension: a slack mooring will boat surging along the bank as a always allow the boat to move – shared responsibility – we all slow and gain momentum – until the to reduce backwash and we all moor slack is removed! Or, put another safe and securely. NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 23 Talking Points — Speeding Boats I agree with Nick! Let us have your views—here’s a selection of the feedback on Nick’s article.

Backwash? Hogwash! Do it right boaters! I can't argue with the mooring techniques Nick I completely agree with Nick. There may be discusses. What I would argue with is the use of times when tickover or even coasting past out of the word 'backwash'. It suggests that if your prop gear is appropriate, maybe when a boat has just doesn't appear to be causing much turbulence, stopped and is being held by one crew member you're not going to disturb moored boats much. whilst another sorts out the moorings. However, I used to believe that, before my helmsman’s when boats are tied up on their home moorings, course. The instructor pointed out what should it is reasonable to expect them to be adequately have been obvious—what moves moored boats moored and fendered to cope with others pass- isn't backwash, my boat—about 18 tons—dis- ing at a sensible speed. Two ropes from the stern places 18 tons of water as it passes. In other dolly to the bank, both at about 45 degrees to the words, it shoves 9 tons of water to either side, keel of the boat, prevents forward or backward and if it passes fast, it can lift a moored boat and movement, while the rope at the front keeps me lift the pins out of soft ground. Slowing down into the bank. Since using this system I have nev- means that extra water will have the chance to er had a pin pulled out, even when others around flow more easily around the stationary boat and me have, and rarely experience movement of my not lift it so violently. boat however fast boats pass me. Shallow water, less under the moored boat— the closer the passing boat is, the more difference Responsible isn't tickover the extra 9 tons of water will make. But if people As a responsible boater I do, of course, always look at their backwash to decide whether their slow down for moored boats but very rarely to speed is polite, they'll often be wrong. Tickover— tickover which, on my boat, gives between 0.2 and even going into neutral—will make no difference 0.5 mph. At that speed I have little or no steer- unless you do it soon enough for the boat to be age way and it would take me an hour to pass a travelling slower by the time it passes, since it half-mile of permanent moorings! Maybe I'm too still displaces its weight in water, even if the pro- literal here, but I don't find the term 'tickover' to peller isn't turning. Just saying… be either helpful or realistic: something better is Spring is in the air required. On the Leeds and Liverpool Canal the notices in the approach to moorings say 'Slow. The key is mooring properly with lines lead well Moored Boats. 2 mph'—more realistic, but still forward and well aft plus ideally ‘springs’ (i.e. a a generalisation. It's important to slow down to line from bow to a fixed point on the bank near a speed such that we are not making any wash the stern and a line from the stern to a fixed point or causing excessive drag. Many factors influence on the bank near the bow). that, most noticeably the depth and width of the Then if you wish, breast lines to hold her in. waterway. What would go unnoticed on a wide, Instead you see people with a tight line from the deep section of the Trent or Thames would cause middle ring on the roof to the bank, which has mayhem on the . It is also important the effect of ensuring the boat heels and then to take note of the type of mooring being passed: snatches uncomfortably with the slightest move- boats on staked moorings should be passed with ment. Bow and stern lines at 90 degrees to the particular care. Finally, let us not forget that this bank do nothing to resist the longitudinal move- is a two-way process. When we moor up we have ment as a boat passes but ensure that there is a responsibility to ensure that we do so with care maximum strain on pegs and ropes. and in such a way as to reduce potential prob- lems from passing boats.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 24 Talking Points Complaints, all I hear is complaints...! Waterway Ombudsman, Andrew Walker, describes his role and remit

was appointed as remit, but it doesn’t mean that I can the Waterways do everything a court can do. For Ombudsman, example it is not for me to interpret Istarting in the law or tell CRT how to interpret November 2012. it, and many readers will recognise I had long expe- that one of the main areas where this rience of dealing affects boaters is in the application with disputes, such of the continuous cruising rules. I as in the OFT and do however have to have regard for Ofcom, and more the law, and cannot require the CRT lately as a telecoms to do something which may put it in Ombudsman, but contravention of the law. waterways is quite I am also not a market regula- different becausetor (such as Ofcom or Ofgem), and of the way it affects cannot determine how the market the lives of individ- should operate or what prices CRT uals and families, should set for licences and moorings whether as neigh- fees. Similarly, although I am some- bours of the CRT, times asked the question, I cannot leisure boaters or decide whether a contractual term residential boaters. is unfair. Many regulators have en- I still had a steep forcement powers on such matters, learning curve to climb, and for a but it is not an area where I can in- while each case introduced me to tervene. quite new areas. While this is still There are other differences -be true to some extent, because of the tween an Ombudsman and a court. sheer variety of complaints that I My process is investigative rather see, by now I usually know where to than adversarial, which means that look for background information. the parties don’t confront each oth- An Ombudsman is a way of re- er. I assess the evidence from both solving complaints without recourse parties and make a decision on the to the courts. It is a form of ADR (al- basis of that evidence. During an ternative dispute resolution) service, investigation I often have to request which generally means an alterna- further information, and sometimes tive to the courts. My rules state that need to talk to one or both sides to my role is to “receive complaints of get more information or discuss the injustice suffered by a complainant issues. I consider complaints on the that arise from maladministration basis of what is fair and reasonable, or unfair treatment by CRT, or any and reach conclusions on the basis of its subsidiaries, in carrying out of the balance of probabilities, in their activities.” That’s quite a broad other words what is in my view the NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 25 Talking Points most likely explanation for what happened. As a former colleague of mine was careful to point out, the Ombudsman is not a detective agency, turning over every stone in a relentless search for the truth. Some complainants are understandably quite passionate about their causes, but I do have to set limits on what I can reasonably achieve, particularly if I am not convinced that the invest- ment of more time on a complaint will get me any closer to establishing exactly what happened. I receive around 60-70 enquiries each year, around a quarter of which I open as formal investigations. Some of the enquiries are about non-CRT waterways, which I can- not deal with, and I continue to get a trickle of enquiries about domestic water supplies. The most common reason for not accepting a com- plaint for investigation is because the complainant has not completed List of investigated cases 2014-2015 the CRT’s internal complaints pro- cedure (ICP). That is an important 737 failure of the Trust to deal effectively with point, because the CRT should have leaks from canal the opportunity to deal with a com- plaint before it comes to me. A few 759 provision of outdated information for marina of those complainants do later come planning application back to me, but most do not. 764 negotiations for extension of property lease I sometimes receive complaints about urgent issues where com- 766 inappropriate issue of an enforcement notice plainants need something done 770 Section 8 notice and continuous cruising immediately, or where they can’t requirements contact the relevant part of CRT and 772 compensation for refloating boat there is no time to go through the ICP. An Ombudsman should not be 779 safety and other issues at mooring regarded as an emergency service, 792 canal infrastructure, culverts and flood risk but if I can see a way of handling the situation which will deal with the 797 surface water drainage charges immediate needs and also may avert 801 Foulridge tunnel incident and boat damage a formal complaint to the CRT, and 806 Bollard electricity supply meter accuracy which I can do fairly quickly, I will. I also occasionally receive com- 818 closure plaints where people are unaware 831 treatment of a disabled boater of the formal complaints process. In such cases I point people in the right 832 overstay at visitor moorings and child safety direction (details are on the CRT’s issues. website via “Contact us”), or provide NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 26 Talking Points

guidance on how best to present ence, but it plays an important role their complaint. in setting the stage. The Committee Looking back over the past ten and the Ombudsman both publish years of the Waterways Ombudsman annual reports, which are available scheme, which includes the time my on the website at www.waterways- predecessor was in office, there has ombudsman.org been a very large drop in the num- In the past year I have rede- ber of complaints going through veloped the website and with the CRT’s (and before July 2012 British Committee have changed the for- Waterways’) first and secondmat of the annual reports. Case level complaints process, and sub- summaries (always anonymised) sequently to the Ombudsman. In are a useful way of providing in- 2005-06, just over 1,000 complaints formation about both the type of started the first level, with just un- complaints that I get, as well as my der 100 starting the second level. In decisions and how I reach them. 2014-15 those numbers were, re- This can be helpful for potential spectively, just under 200 and just complainants who may wish to see under 50. Whether this is because if I have considered something simi- fewer people have had cause to lar. The summaries have previously complain, or that BW/CRT has got been published as part of the annual better at handling complaints, the report, which meant that they were fall is very encouraging. The num- not available until after the year end, bers coming to the Ombudsman but I am now publishing them on have not dropped by a similar level – the website shortly after I close the it’s more like half – but this shouldn’t investigations. They are therefore be surprising. There are always some available earlier than previously, and complaints which are just very hard can be read or searched much more to deal with, and where complain- quickly and easily. All completed ants will for a number of reasons not cases have one-line descriptions be satisfied with the outcome of an in the annual report, together with internal investigation, whether by links to the website summaries. the Trust or a commercial company. In 2015 the UK adopted sig- That is where it is important that nificant new EU legislation about complainants have recourse to an ADR procedures, under which all independent adjudicator. such schemes must be approved Although I work largely on by what is known as a Competent my own, there is a Waterways Authority. My Competent Authority Ombudsman Committee which is the Chartered Trading Standards oversees the operation of the scheme Institute, and I am delighted to say and ensures the independence and that the Waterways Ombudsman accessibility of the Ombudsman. scheme was granted approval last The Committee has a majority of summer. independent members, and meets Whether you have a current regularly to review the workload of complaint about the CRT, or if you the Ombudsman, as well as to con- just want to know more about what I sider issues such as the availability of do, please take a look at my website. the scheme, the adequacy of fund- If you have any questions, send me ing, and working with stakeholders. an email or give me call. I do work It cannot influence or review any de- part-time, and am not always avail- cisions the Ombudsman has made able, but I’ll try to get back to you as or interfere with his/her independ- soon as I can. NABO News Issue 2 April 2016 27 Crossword

Answers to Crossword 27 Across: 1 Bank, 3 Eyes, 6 Knife, 10 Bon voyage shipmate... Aqueducts, 11 Napes, 12 Blue tit, 13 Laptops, 14 Land, 16 Floods, 18 Peter Fellows waves farewell Pal, 21 Saw, 22 Cabins, 23 Suez, 25 Boarded, 27 Reaches, 29 Abeam, 30 Beholders, 31 Antic, 32 Sips, 33 Is on ur sincere thanks to Tony Haynes, who has selected items Down: 1 Boatbills, 2 Nauru, 4 Yacht club, 5 Sisal, 6 King post, 7 from past issues for ‘Rewind’ and, as ‘Canaldrifter’, has Impromptu, 8 Eases, 9 Adits, 15 compiled the crossword since I took over as Editor —not Newsagent, 17 Ownership, 19 Lazy Oto mention his letters to NABO News. He is standing down and Susan, 20 Academic, 24 Cable, 25 Bhaga, 26 Debts, 28 Heels his contributions will be greatly missed. Tony has been a NABO Council member, and Chairman and Editor of NABO News for a while. I wish Tony well with his Vale Radio FAB Folk and Blues Programme*. Tony commented: “I started inland boating in the anarchistic days of the mid-60s when it truly was one big community. It’s been fun though”. I would like to continue both Rewind and the crossword, so if any editors or crossword compil- ers would like to step into Tony’s shoes, please get in touch.

*Mark Holdsworth, who has been recording the I name this boat … ‘Narrowboat Sessions’ on board his boat Cariad IV as he cruises around the British Canals in aid of If you have you spotted a boat name that made you Cancer Research, will be featured on Monday 2nd smile, please let us have a photo to use in future May at 8pm. issues. Here’s one from Brian Holt.

NABO News Issue 2 April 2016