Minutes from the London User GroupMeeting
The London Canal Museum, Kings Cross
Wednesday 21st March 2012
1900 – 2100
Agenda;
Welcome and introductionsJon Guest
Social EnterpriseSally Ash & Jess Steele
Questions from the floorAll
BW (CRT) generalAll
OlympicsJason Leach
Major works and engineeringPeter Walker
EnforcementNick Wattam
Maintenance and water updateSam Thomas
Attendees;
Jon GuestCRT
Sally AshCRT
Jason LeachCRT
Peter WalkerCRT
Nick WattamCRT
Sam ThomasCRT
Sarah EmmingsCRT
Brian FenderCRT
Dick VincentCRT
Jess SteeleLocality on behalf of CRT
M J ClarkNSBC
Bob LangleyLSCC
Gary AldamBS Canoe Club
John SmithStort Boat Club
Helen SmithStort Boat Club
Paul AyresHNBOC, CBOA, IWI
Robbie BarrettWaterway user
Sue BarrettWaterway user
Gordon MeennFriends of Regents Canal
John GoodieH & F Historic Buildings
Paul StrudwickIWA London
Matt DukeLocal resident
Graham ButlerRamblers Forum Greater London
John ShacklockIWA lee & Stort
Beresford A CaseyLocal resident
A Stott
Simon RobbinsNABO London Waterways Commission
Amanda EvansLocal resident
Michael MillarshipLocal resident
Lewis TownsCrowther & Towns
Michele TownsResidential boater
Trevor GillamAWCC & WLMCC
Lester MayCamden History Society
Dohne ArnoldNoel Road resident
John CheckleyAngel Community NB
Ian ShacklockFriends of Regents Canal
Stephanie BrooksLocal resident
John FrazerBroxbourne Cruising Club
Roger WilkinsonIWA London
Robin BishopIWA Middx
Keith ClaytonIWA Middx
Sandra GreenHNBOC
Fiona MacleanLNBA
Michael StimpsonBMF
Steve WickesRamney Marsh Cruising club
Marie BryantTowpath user
Eric Naylor
Christine Kemp
Apologies;
Mike BrownSawbridgeworth Angling Club
Allan WildmanRBOA
Graham ButlerRamblers Greater London
David Gee
Gary AndersonRBOA
Meeting commenced at 1900 hours
Jon Guest welcomed everyone, the CRT staff introduced themselves and Sally Ash introduced Jess Steel. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
Olympics;
The agenda order changed and Olympics were covered first. Jason Leach gave a short presentation giving an update on the Olympic project including the opening of Commercial Road lock and transits past the Olympic Park. It was explained that as much lead time as possible was required for transit booking and that we would be consolidating transits to maximise potential.
The point was raised as to how CRT would get the message out fairly to the local boating community in regards to the final arrangements. Jason responded that we are looking at all options, staff out on the towpath, knocking on boats to chat to owner, notices on locks and sanitary stations and also word of mouth.
The question of sanitary services was raised and it was confirmed that we were looking at that issue.
Jon Guest acknowledged that residents at 3 Mills long term mooring site were in a different situation to any other home moorer in London and their situation would be viewed differently.
It was confirmed that Commercial Road lock would be opened in conjunction with the time of the transits and the booking procedure was explained, how the closure of this lock was paramount to the Olympic Security Strategy was also explained (copy attached). It was re-iterated that the responsibility for safety on our waterways during the coming summer was for all to bear not just CRT.
It was asked how we would deal with over stayers; it was confirmed that 2 new enforcement officers had been recruited on 12 month contracts and the present plans are for 1 to be retained after the event.
Social Enterprise;
Jess Steele explained the background of Locality and the role they will play in the Social Enterprise, which is based on finding a community solution to a problem. (Presentation attached)
Concern was shown from several attendees that the consultations seem to be aimed at a small number of craft occupying the lower Lee and Regents who are renowned for overstaying and not the whole of London. It was explained that this is a pilot scheme at present but it was acknowledged that there are many users of the waterways and all these should be considered. An attendee pointed out that this is a social enterprise and therefore we should all engage whether we like the people we are engaging with or not if we want to move forward.
It was agreed that all should be involved including visiting craft from other areas. Overstaying is a big issue and the aim is that this scheme will allow us to deal with it. At present there is no programme of works so no further details of plans were available. CRT to make available to Locality the User Group Distribution list. (Confirmed as done).
BW General & questions from the floor;
Jon Guest introduced Brian Fender, Londons’ new chair, who gave a brief outline of his background and encouraged participation of our users by becoming a partner.
Q. what is being done about mooring on lock landings and why don’t we remove craft when reported.
A. craft to remove offending boats are not always available and man handling is not ideal. CRT will not put their bank staff in a potential conflict situation.
Q. there was a meeting held on the 19th January relating to Olympic arrangements. Why weren’t the major boating organisations invited to this? It seems as though only members of the ‘London Boaters Group’ were invited and why are they being offered free moorings for the summer.
A. CRT particularly wanted to target that group as home moorers are not affectedto the same extent. It shouldnot be perceived as a free mooring but a relaxation of enforcement.
Q. is there any news on the Islington towpath Consultation?
A. the raw data result is now available and an appeal for more tow path rangers was made.
Major works and Engineering;
Peter Walker talked the group through his presentation (attached). The problems relating to dredging were explained; the removal and the costs involved being the paramount problem at approximately £150 per cubic metre. Land and Water are looking at alternatives, including disposal at sea and injection dredging.
In direct relation to the Slough Arm it was noted that CRT developments for the area would be better served if craft could get to them, it was also noted that a brief update had been obtained and the Slough developments are still happening.
Overall, the preventative maintenance planning was helping to improve our maintenance schedules.
Maintenance and Water Update;
It was confirmed the £700,000 had been invested already in regards to the water shortage, it is impossible to say what closures may have to happen but restricted hours would be considered primarily. It was also noted that this is the first ‘drought busting scheme’ CRT has implemented. Concern was raised re the affect this may have on the Ware Festival and had this been taken into account, it was confirmed that CRT would do everything it could to help facilitate festivals and events but no guarantees could be made.
St Pancras lock was highlighted as leaking badly and not equalising which would not help the situation. It was confirmed this was to be looked.
Post meeting note; both St Pancras and Mile End locks have had a temporary seal attached to the leaking gates which has helped enormously.
Enforcement;
It was agreed that enforcement had been covered within the general discussions over the other agenda items.
Jon Guest thanked all for their attendance and input and the meeting closed at 2130.
1