Josher

Well at least they are not blocking the car park - not here anyway! Wednesday 14 March 2012 Canal lock out anger Wigan Today A WIGAN canal has been restocked with fish - despite anglers being locked-out! Fisherman were delighted when the watchdog Environment Agency announced a scheme this week to boost their sport by pouring more than 4,000 gleaming juvenile coarse fish into the Leeds and Liverpool to revive an area blighted by pollution. But this has now turned to anger because British Waterways (BW) are refusing to unlock the gates to a fisherman’s car park on canal land near the towpath which has been the centre of a long running dispute. The national canal owning body - which became a charity earlier this year - installed the barrier following a rash of fly tipping on the car park. There were also two separate incidents of joy riders using the car park access to drive stolen cars into the canal waters. They have subsequently refused to remove the bar-barrier despite a long battle with the fishing club who paid for and built the car park on BW land in the first place more than four years ago. Now the anglers are threatening to challenge British Waterway’s newly acquired charity commission status over the issue because it means that only fit and younger fisherman will be able to carry all their baulky equipment to the canalside. Angling Trust Wigan member John Weedon also claims the continuing closure is illegal because it breaches the terms of the Disabled Discrimination Act because it effectively bans disabled anglers from being able to access the rejuvenated canal length to enjoy their hobby. Mr Weedon, who lives nearby in Abram, says that there is no reason why BW can’t operate a key system at Dover Lock as a number of other land owners who lease fishing rights on their waters successfully do. He also points out that the Dover Lock car park is a key access point to the Plank Lane/Wigan Pier canal towpath walkway the council have spent “hundreds of thousands” creating. Mr Weedon, 68, said: “It has annoyed everybody around here. And I have lost count of the number of times I have had my ear bent by anglers about it. It was locked a couple of years ago and there is just no way that Waterways will move on it. The car park may be on Waterways land but it was built and paid for by Ashton Centre of Northern Anglers and I think that they are being treated appallingly. Keeping this gate locked is completely against the Disabled Discrimination Act and I have worked with the DDA for more years than I can remember supplying briefings on behalf of disabled anglers and I am at a loss to know how they have got away with it for so long.” A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that they had no jurisdiction over the management of the angler’s car park at Dover Lock. She confirmed: “Following a pollution incident in the Leeds Liverpool Canal a number of years ago, the Environment Agency has recently restocked around 4,000 fish into this section of canal. Roach and Perch have been put into this section of canal to help re-establish the fish stocks, and help to improve angling in the area.“ British Waterways had no one available to comment.

Latest ... Selly Oak Canalside store plans unveiled Birmingham Mail Mar 12 2012 SUPERSTORE giant Sainsbury has drawn up fresh plans for a city store which includes the restoration of a historic canal. A revised planning application for the development of the former Battery Park site in Selly Oak has been submitted to the city council. The derelict acre site will get a new major superstore, doctors surgery, offices, a shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants and bars, student flats, a canalside piazza and a low energy combined heat and power generator. About 3,000 jobs will be created through the development. Plans were revised following consultation with residents during the autumn and will be put on show next weekend. Neil Carron, of Land Securities, Sainsbury’s partner on the development, said: “Thanks to the initial consultation we have been able to identify aspects of the plans that needed to be reviewed. This has resulted in a revised proposal which will transform Selly Oak into a vibrant destination, while also creating 3,000 much needed jobs.” Development manager for Sainsbury’s Kevin Macmillan added: ”The public exhibition is a chance for the local community to see the revised plans. So we strongly urge residents to come along and view the proposals and see for themselves the considerable benefits this development will bring to Selly Oak.” Changes include a new road layout, a canal link revising the historic Lapal Canal route, improvements to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal basin, fewer shops and more places to eat and drink, environmental improvements and a new doctor’s surgery. There will also be some spin-off investment in Bournbrook Recreation Ground and Selly Oak Library. The full proposals will be unveiled at a public exhibition at the Christian Life Centre on Bristol Road on Friday, March 16, between 2pm and 7pm and on Saturday, March 17, between 10am and 1.30pm.

No dogs? - perhaps not indoors, but we sat outside in the sunshine with our dog. No problem at all, staff including the landlord were about and our dog is pretty had to ignore!

Called in yesterday - open since last Thursday (I think). Looks much better, tried two of the extensive range of brews (both good) - did not try the food but they were doing a roaring trade!

Latest ... Lion Salt Works renovation moves closer 29 Feb 2012, Place Northwest Cheshire West & Chester Council has appointed Wates Construction for the £8m restoration of the historic Lion Salt Works in Marston near Northwich. Wates will work with restoration contractors William Anelay, which has already carried out initial enabling works to make the site safe and ensure each of the elements are recorded. Subject to planning consent, restoration of the 19th Century open pan salt works will begin in April. John Shannon, business unit director of Wates Construction in the North West, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen as partners on this restoration project, which will see us working within Marston's community. We have extensive experience in heritage refurbishment and are committed to ensuring the redevelopment of this Scheduled Ancient Monument will be led with the utmost care and commitment." Cllr Stuart Parker, member for culture and recreation, said: "With a track record spanning 40 years in the restoration of cultural and heritage buildings, we are confident that Wates brings the expertise a project of this sensitivity demands. Industrial archaeologist Chris Hewitson will be responsible for monitoring, investigating and recording the buildings and finds unearthed during excavations. The salt works is expected to re-open in spring 2014 as a 'living museum', providing a unique insight into a period in history when Cheshire produced 86% of the nation's salt. Visitors will be able to explore the restored buildings, discover how the salt works operated and find out how the industry impacted upon Cheshire's people, economy and landscape. The project is being funded by a £5m Heritage Lottery Fund grant and a £3m contribution from the council. Lion Salt Works was established in 1894 by the Thompson family and remained in their ownership through five generations. Salt was produced by evaporating brine over an open fire in large lead pans. It ceased trading in 1986 and was purchased by the former Vale Royal Borough Council. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, it is the last open pan salt works in the UK and one of only three remaining in the world. The planning application is due to be considered by the council's planning committee on 20 March.

Latest ... Jobs hope for Northwich Marina development 14th February 2012 The Business Desk Northwich Marina development H2O, the joint venture company between British Waterways and private developer bloc, has submitted plans to redevelop Northwich Marina in Cheshire. The firm said that it had received "strong support" for a scheme which could create 230 jobs during a consultation exercise with local residents. More than 750 members of the public attended a public exhibition and of the 170 who left comments, 82% offered full support while a further 14% expressed support with some reservations. H20 plans a scheme that will invlde an 18,000 sq ft Waitrose foodstore and parking for town centre shoppers, improvements to waterways including 40 mooring berths for boats, new waterside restaurant and cafe facilities and a retirement village with 58 new homes and a restaurant designed for the elderly. Richard Thomas, director of bloc and development manager for H2O, said: “These proposals will regenerate a long underused and mostly vacant site that has severe constraints to development. This is an opportunity to deliver a significant phase of the town’s regeneration plans in a relatively short timescale, as well as providing a potential catalyst for future phases of regeneration in Northwich.” Mike Coates, British Waterways' northern investment & development manager, said: “The proposed improvements to the waterways have received very strong support from residents and waterways users. The proposals will give public access to Northwich’s new waterfront and will enable us to maintain and enhance the waterways network for the benefit of all users.” Geoff Hope-Terry, chair of Weaver Valley Partnership, said: "Northwich's rivers are part of its unique heritage offering and these proposals will play a key part in transforming the town's future.”

New canal bridge plan for narrowboats Wednesday 11th January 2012, Express and Star Plans for a railway bridge over a Staffordshire canal have been revised to make more room for narrowboats to pass underneath. The bridge is part of the controversial high speed rail line that will cut through the countryside. Changes were made to the route of the £32 billion line, including more tunnels in the Chilterns, prior to approval being given yesterday by the Government. The route is due to see the 225mph trains crossing the Trent and Mersey Canal twice in close proximity near to Woodend Lock above Fradley Junction. But the plans were revised to make more space for boats. Staffordshire County Council and Lichfield District Council had both objected to the high speed rail line amid concerns from residents about the effect on the countryside. North of Lichfield the high-speed line will require a 1,607ft retaining wall to be built close to Vicar’s Coppice followed by a 672ft viaduct near Fulbrook Farm along with a 311ft retaining wall. The proposed route passes close to the villages of Whittington, Streethay and Hints, where residents and businesses say their lives will be devastated. Michael Fabricant, Conservative MP for Lichfield, said the changes to the bridge were welcome but added: “As a keen narrowboater I am obviously pleased to know there will still be traffic able to use the canal and there has been a clear commitment given to mitigate the impact on surrounding neighbourhoods. But a number of my constituents will be disappointed by this decision, to go ahead with the high speed rail line.”

Show off!

here for earLier thread.

Better keep that pulse rate down, great and powerful one ...

From the BBC 6 January 2012 Last updated at 09:32 River Avon reopened under Bath's Victoria Bridge Bright orange buoys stop river traffic from sailing underneath the Victoria Bridge on the River Avon in Bath Bridge owners Bath and North East Somerset Council want the listed structure reopened by 2013 A section of the River Avon in Bath, which had been closed to boats amid fears about the safety of a footbridge, has been reopened. Victoria Bridge, which was used by pedestrians and cyclists, was closed in October 2010 but last November the towpath and river underneath was shut. Emergency stabilisation work carried out by Bath and North East Somerset Council has now been completed. River users have been warned the headroom is now 0.5m (20in) lower. A spokesman for British Waterways said the stretch was now open to river traffic, but he advised "caution" because of the high level of water in the river due to recent heavy rain. The Liberal Democrat-led council wants to have the listed bridge reopened by winter 2013. A spokesman said it was working on a three-phase solution to protecting it, which included emergency works, temporary works and full restoration. He added it was expected the works would cost some £3m, which would be paid out of council reserves or loans. The towpath remains shut until further notice.

Sad but all still smiling! Friday 6 January 2012 Goole Courier SINKING: Norman and Pauline Brown with their cat Sammy and dog Billy. Their Narrow Boat sank at Rawcliffe Bridge. AN elderly couple lost their home, after 15 foot waves on a district canal caused their narrowboat to sink. Pauline and Norman Brown, whose barge sank at Rawcliffe Bridge last Wednesday, were just able to save their pet cat and 24 year old dog, Billy, before their boat, Little Nell, met its watery end. “It was just freak weather,” said Norman, aged 69. “It was around 2pm and the weather changed dramatically. The water was very rough and the waves were ten and 15 feet high. They burst the canopy at the front of the boat and then the water started to get into the barge.” Norman heroically managed to steer Little Nell to the bank, and was then able to get Pauline, and pets Billy and Sam to shore. “But the boat didn’t go without a fight,” Norman said. “We got to the riverbank and it took her about half an hour to go down. We tried to save her but she sank about half an hour after we got on dry land.” The couple have been living on their narrowboat, which they bought 25 years ago, for the past eight years and had travelled from the Blue Water Marina at Thorne, where Little Nell was berthed, to spend the New Year at Rawcliffe Bridge. “It was very bad luck really,” Norman continued. We were just 100 yards away from the marina when it happened. If we’d got in there, we’d have been safe.” They are still waiting to hear which of their possessions are salvageable. We’ll have to wait until they’ve got the boat to the surface before we know anything,” Norman said. “It is our home, so everything we own was on there.” However, the kindness of their fellow boat enthusiasts and the people of Rawcliffe Bridge were the silver lining on the couple’s storm cloud. The owner of the Blue water Marina is lending them a narrowboat to live on temporarily, until their insurance cash comes through and Paul Smith, owner of the village’s Black Horse pub, put them up for free whilst they stayed in Rawcliffe Bridge. Fellow boat lover Nigel Lipp attempted to help the couple save the boat and also gave them the use of his motorhome as they faced their first night of homelessness. “I could see they needed a bit of help and if you see people in trouble you help don’t you?” Nigel, who also lives on his boat, said: “We tried to secure the boat but it was too far gone by then and we just had to watch it sink. It must be upsetting for them to lose their home.”

From 3 July to 10 September 2012 a mooring control zone will be in place on the following: Regent’s Canal, from Little Venice to Limehouse Basin; Hertford Union Canal; Limehouse Cut; River Lee Navigation from Bow Locks to above Hackney Marshes (Lea Bridge Road). Anyone who doesn’t have a home mooring or hasn’t pre-booked a visitor mooring will be asked to leave these zones for the duration of this period. Wow theres a blow Guess some of the C&Cers will have to remember how to start their engines 14Skipper Lucky guess? Houseboaters being ‘forced out’ from Olympics area. River Lea residents claim they are being priced out and uprooted from their community by British Waterways Friday 30 December 2011 Hackney Citizen 'Continuous cruising' boats will have to pay over £100 a week to moor in the controlled zone during the Olympics. British Waterways (BW) has been accused of “forcing out” Hackney’s boaters after it announced plans to limit mooring times and impose fines for overstaying in an area close to the Olympic site. The organisation, which looks after waterways including the Regent’s Canal and River Lea, wants those who live on narrowboats to buy visitor passes, some costing in excess of hundreds of pounds per week, to moor in a specially designated zone close to the site. British Waterways said the measures were necessary to cover the costs of increased security in the area and to ensure all boaters had a chance to book spots close to where the London 2012 Games will take place. But Hackney boater Frank Kelly, who has to regularly attend Homerton Hospital due to health problems, said the requirement was unreasonable. He said: “Our boats are our homes. It’s an entirely reasonable thing to expect to live in our homes, to be able to access our jobs, GPs and healthcare, and interact with our chosen community, and not be separated from that.” While boaters with permanent moorings will be unaffected, continuous cruiser craft such as Mr Kelly’s, which are required by law to make a journey around BW’s network once every two weeks, will have a particularly tough time avoiding the so-called Controlled Mooring Zone (CMZ). View British Waterways Olympic 2012 Exclusion Zone in a larger map Here Mr Kelly, who has started a social media protest campaign backed by dozens of other boaters, said he had no problem with restrictions being put in place around the Olympic Stadium but felt British Waterways was trying to profit from paid moorings – a claim the organisation rejects. He said: “We’re happy to move within a reasonable area, and our movements take us out of the area briefly, but that’s different from being forced out for two or three months.” A British Waterways spokesperson said: “We’re not looking to profit in any way. It is likely we will just be covering the costs of the extra security we’ll be required to provide for the slots. We want everyone in the country to have the same fair chance to book one of these spots when they’re coming to enjoy the Olympics. “Boaters within the zones as well have the opportunity to book these spots — if they decide to do that, they will be staying within the zone. Otherwise, we’re working very hard with the local groups to make convenient mooring spots available outside the zone.” British Waterways’ plans mean boaters will require a visitor pass on what is essentially the entirety of Regent’s Canal, along with Lea River south of Lea Bridge. Some fear this will push boaters without a permanent mooring west of Little Venice near Paddington and north of Lea Bridge Road in Hackney. British Waterways said the Controlled Mooring Zone had been created in conjunction with the police, requiring the organisation to have records of all craft travelling within the zone during the Olympics. The spokesperson added: “The police have asked us also to set up a wider control zone across the waterways in London — they want us to have a record of everyone who comes into and out of that zone, and who is within the zone. There will be checkpoints so the police will have the security of knowing who’s on the waterways at the time.” The police said discussions about the Controlled Mooring Zone were ongoing.

Now up for sale at auction (£110,000) Here

Progress... Restoration of Burslem branch canal will cost £51.5m less than forecast Friday, December 30, 2011 The Sentinel The empty Burslem Branch Canal, pictured in 1962. WORK to reinstate part of a former canal will cost £51.5 million less than forecast. Government agency Renew North Staffordshire had priced the restoration of the Burslem Branch Canal at £56 million. But a study by engineering firm AECOM has predicted that the design and construction of the Burslem Arm will cost £4.5 million; one-12th of the original sum. It is estimated that an additional £1 million will then be needed to rebuild a footbridge and historic warehouse along the stretch. It is a major breakthrough after a 16-year fight to reconstruct the canal at Middleport. David Dumbleton, aged 75, who is a trustee and project officer for the Burslem Port Trust, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the hard work is starting to pay off. "This is an important step for the project, but there are still many challenges ahead. We believe the project can be completed within 18 months of receiving funding." The Burslem Branch Canal, which runs along Furlong Lane, opened in 1805 and closed after a major breach in 1961. If plans go ahead, the Burslem Arm will once more be a branch of the Trent and Mersey Canal. Trust member Roger Savage said: "The new study has given us the plans we need to submit and the cost for digging up the canal area. We were originally quoted such a large sum because we were told we would have to put costs aside to buy land, but this is no longer the case. We are delighted to hear that the cost is not going to be as much as expected, because when you compare it to £56 million it's quite a small figure. This project will bring regeneration to Middleport." It is estimated that 27,000 narrowboats and boats sail along that stretch of the canal every year. Mr Savage, who is also chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent branch of the Inland Waterways Association, added: "We are looking for funding to ensure that the project can go ahead, including a potential bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Should make sure you are on the boat, alone, moored in a deep cutting first ... Linky

Meanwhile ... Trapped boaters on Wiltshire canal to be freed in new year 23 December 2011 BBC A 10-mile stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal closed off due to a lack of water is due to re-open in January. Over 90 boats have been stranded between Crofton Lock near Wilton and Copse Lock near Hamstead Marshall since mid-November. British Waterways said ground water was at its lowest level for 90 years and was taking some time to recover. Waterways manager Mark Stevens said: "We haven't got much water about but we're hoping to re-open on 4 January." With a lack of adequate water supplies "to support boat movement", closed sections of the canal were padlocked shut on 17 November to prevent boat movement. Since then trapped boaters have been advised to adjust mooring ropeslack to accommodate the changes in water levels. But last week, canal boats trapped on the shut-down central section of canal were given a window of opportunity to leave. "We only had four boats that actually wanted to leave," said Mr Stevens. "But it's good to know that there aren't 90 boaters screaming to be out of Bedwyn or Crofton and people are happy to be staying there. "For those who want to move out - it's very frustrating for them but our intention is to reopen for limited navigation on 4 January."

Well that was a bit quicker than restoring the canal ... Tuesday 20th December 2011 Droitwich Advertiser WORK on a key development to enhance the town’s multi-million pound canal regeneration project has taken a major step forward. The creation of Droitwich Spa Marina has now reached a stage where water is starting to fill the site. It means the project is well on course for a launch in the new year. There is a planned open day from 10am to 3pm on January 24, 2012 before of the site’s completion in February. The facility, based near the town’s rugby club in Hanbury Road, will be an integral part of Droitwich Spa benefitting from the £12 million restoration work unveiled in July. It will help accommodate the predicted increase in the number of boating visitors attracted to the town. The extra visitors will bring an estimated £2.75 million to the local economy each year. The 238 berth Droitwich Spa Marina has received support and interest from the community and narrowboat owners up and down the country. It has taken just 21 weeks to transform the eleven acre field into a marina, which will be a haven for boaters. GJP Marina Developments moved in excess of 300,000 tonnes of material to make the project possible. It will take approximately 45 million litres of water from the Tardebigge reservoir to fill the basin. The landscaping will include the extensive use of aquatic plants at the waters edge to further encourage wildlife to return. The site will then be finished with services to each jetty, including water and electricity, shower and bathroom facilities, office, fuel/pump out service areas and associated footpaths. “We look forward to welcoming boaters in the spring, we cannot believe how quickly the transformation from field to marina has happened,” said John Weston, landowner. He added: “Just like a motorway needs service stations and car parking, so does a canal, hence a need for narrowboat marina”. The completion of the marina creates a new chapter in the history of Droitwich Canal, originally the ‘Droitwich barge’ canal was built by James Brindley and opened in 1771. It served the Droitwich salt industry, linking the town to the river Severn and the world beyond. The Droitwich junction canal was built by R Boddington and opened in 1854 and was one of the last canals to be completed. Both canals declined due to competition from the railways and were officially abandoned in 1939. Then in 1973, Droitwich Canals Trust and a team of volunteers set about getting this canal restored. The newly restored waterway is the only one in the UK to have been fully restored from end to end in the past decade and makes up a new 21 mile circular cruising circuit – the Mid-Worcestershire Ring. Droitwich Spa Marina will be the only marina on this new stretch. Jason Leach, from British Waterways, said: “One of the key aims of the restoration of the Droitwich Canals was to support the local economy, provide a visitor attraction and create business opportunities, we are delighted that Droitwich Spa Marina is the first to take make the most of the canals restoration”. To keep up to date on progress Click Here

From today's Metro... "AN OVERZEALOUS profanity checker has been blamed for starring out inoffensive names of television shows. The system took offence at Will Smith’s 12A-rated film Hancock, calling it Hanc**k, while football fans were invited to watch a match involving A***nal The automatic checker, which scans for inappropriate words, also stated that there would be an episode of Never Mind The Buzzc**ks. Charles D***ens was apparently too rude an author for television, along with Alfred Hitchc**k and musician-turned-presenter Jarvis C**ker. Eagled-eyed viewers were quick to spot the errors and posted pictures online, drawing attention to the hidden swear words. One commented: ‘The Golden Age of Canals will never be the same again. A spokesman for Virgin TV said: ‘Over the weekend, a temporarily overzealous profanity checker took offence at the titles of certain programmes. ‘The altered titles have been swiftly an*lysed, and we’re fixing any remaining glitches.’ It was not the first time that filters have run amok. Residents of Scunthorpe were once banned from registering with the internet and media company AOL. A similar fate met residents of Penistone, South Yorkshire, and Lightwater in Surrey, as well as Sussex and Essex. Sprinter Tyson Gay was memorably renamed by the American Family Association, which decided that ‘gay’ should be replaced by ‘homosexual’. The resulting article was titled: ‘Homosexual eases into 100m final at Olympic trials’. And spam filters were blamed for the closure of Canadian magazine The Beaver, when bosses said it was constantly mistaken for a porn site".

Variation on a theme?

A giant floating crane came to the Upper Pool of London on Friday to salvage the twisted remains of the brow leading from the shore to HMS Belfast which collapsed last month. See London SE1 16.12.11 for more photos:

Worth taking seriously? Sale weatherman: Get ready for ‘worst winter in 200 years’ Manchester Evening NewsDecember 16, 2011 Harry Kershaw says we are likely to see a white Christmas We're heading for the coldest winter since the early 1800s, according to a pensioner with an uncanny knack for predicting the weather. Harry Kershaw, 85, correctly predicted the huge snowfalls and freezing temperatures that crippled the country last December and January. Now the amateur forecaster, from Sale, says the coming weeks could see Britain gripped by a ‘mini Ice-Age’ last encountered 200 years ago. Harry, who began his hobby as a merchant seaman, uses a system developed by the German army during the Second World War known as ‘similarity forecasting’. He matches conditions with those of previous years and then predicts the future weather will follow a similar pattern – often with great accuracy. In early 2007, his predictions of a miserable summer were at odds with official forecasts, but he was right. He also warned of wet weather in 2009 when the Met Office told the nation to prepare for a ‘barbecue summer’. He has already predicted that this winter could be as cold as that of 1812-13 – when daytime temperatures reached no more than -9C and Napoleon was forced to retreat from Moscow during his attempt to seize the Russian capital. Harry says the bitterly cold gusts that have blown into Greater Manchester from the Lancashire coast could signal that his winter forecast is accurate. He said: "The higher the wind speed off Blackpool between the December 2 and 16, the colder the winter. The lower the wind speed, the milder the winter. This isn’t a meteorological rule, but I’ve observed it since 1962 and it seems to be very reliable. It looks as if we could be set for a white Christmas with cold easterly winds direct from Russia." Harry says Europe could be in the middle of a ‘mini ice-age’ similar to the one in the four years from 1812 to 1815. The number of spots on the sun, thought to affect the weather, has been the same in the last two years as in 1812 and 1813. And North Pole barometer readings in August suggested Europe will experience a repeat of last winter, Harry said. He added: "It looks like we could be on the same weather cycle that occurred before Napoleon’s retreat." Blackpool was battered by winds of up to 55mph this week. The Met Office is warning that more winter storms could batter the region in the coming days as a chain of low pressure systems cross the Atlantic. Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: "We’re advising people to say up to date with the latest forecast and weather warnings because conditions are changing very quickly."