We intended to cross Manchester from the Bridgewater onto the Macclesfield canal. When we moored up we started to chat to a number of boaters who advised us not to go through Manchester due to the increased incidents of damage break ins and vandalism caused to narrowboats. Even the Greater Manchester Police advise on window covers secure locks and chains. Following the advice given by the police we shall not use the canals in Manchester and bypass the place as the police cannot guarantee our safe passage through Manchester. Sign of the times I guess. Perhaps if narrowboaters boycott Manchester something might be done
