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Georgina Wood <Georgina.Wood@canalrivertrust.org.uk Today at 8:55 AM Dear Business Boating customer I would like to introduce myself as the new Business Boating Manger, taking over the West Midlands from Peter Moore. I will be responsible for business boating licencing matters. I have been fortunate enough to meet some of you already and hope to meet you all at some point. I have been in place for a number of months now and gradually taking over the West Midlands, as well as South Wales & Severn and Kennett & Avon waterways. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. I have been asked to forward the message below from Ian Lane, West Midlands Waterway Manager. Please let Ian know as soon as possible if you wish to attend the meeting. My apologies if this is of no relevance to you, but I wanted to take the opportunity of introducing myself to you. Dear All, The Trust would like to invite you to share your views on the proposed dredging on the Birmingham & Fazeley canal in 2016/17. The project team will be holding a presentation of the proposed works on the which will highlight our current areas of concerns between Aston to Fazeley. To ensure we make the most of the project we would welcome the opportunity for you to give us insight to your issues on the ground/water, so that where possible, we can try to incorporate them into the project. The meeting will be held at the Bond in Birmingham, on Friday 11th March 2016, at 10am. The Bond Company 180-182 Fazeley Street Digbeth Birmingham B5 5SE Please feel free to share this invite with colleagues and other interested parties on the B&F, but if you could let me know that you would like to attend so that I can work out numbers. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Ian Lane Waterway Manager West Midlands Waterway T: 01827 252054 E: ian.lane@canalrivertrust.org.uk Again, if you have any business boating matters please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind regards Georgina Georgina Wood BSc(Hons); MA; MRTPI Business Boating Manager (South West) Mobile: 07833 403145 Canal and River Trust, The Dock Office, Commercial Road, Gloucester, GL1 2EB

In saturdays Express & Star - Crane Foundry Site http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2016/01/31/wolverhampton-canalside-foundry-site-set-for-revival/ springy

I have just received an email from CRT offering me a Free DVD, I thought thats OK, I already get bombarded with junk emails from them, what worse can they do. The answer is to ring me up and tell me how U can support them. No thank you CRT. Here is the link, you can only get the DVD by giving your phone number. http://www.canalrivertrustdvd.org/?utm_source=HOTWEmail&utm_medium=2016Feb&utm_term=%20IG-16-TEL-000640&utm_campaign=Heritage&utm_content=Order%20your%20free%20DVD&dm_i=2GFS,N7E1,2F3VBB,1IAQ6,0 This is the text of the letter. "Dear Brian, Join us on an expedition through 2,000 miles of waterway history by ordering your free Heritage DVD today. When watching, you will meet Nigel Crowe, our National Heritage Manager, and he will take you to some of the best historical gems, including: Pontcysyllte’s towering; Cathedral-like Aqueduct; Bingley’s beautiful Five Rise locks; the mysterious mason marks and; Foxton’s 200-year-old lock flight. This offer is only available for a limited time so order today to enjoy exploring our centuries-old waterways and discovering how the Canal & River Trust are working to maintain the 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers in our care. Claire, Canal & River Trust"

I am sure some will have seen this before but it really is worth a watch and a chuckle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzcthkiUfUY

It has become my understanding today the Ruth Ruderham is no longer head of fundraising for CRT. Can anyone confirm this? I have always had a problem with this person and her job, at a reported salary of £70k I really did wonder how much she raised for each £ of salary. Much of CRT gets critised for none openness and I have yet to see this person in the public view doing anything of note. If she is gone will they replace her, maybe a willing volunteer will take her place or one of the faithful friends? One another tack I received my voters code today from Electoral Reform Services, I wonder how much their involvement with this farcical CRT election is costing? To elect a puppet committee, toothless and useless.

Joe Coggins <Joe.Coggins@canalrivertrust.org.uk> To Today at 5:05 PM press release 18 December 2015 RESULTS OF CANAL & RIVER TRUST COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Canal & River Trust is today (18 December 2015) announcing the results of the voting to elect new representatives to the charitys Council. Each elected candidate will take up their voluntary post for four years starting in March 2016. The elected Council representatives are as follows: Private boating: Phil Prettyman Stella Ridgway Andrew Phasey Vaughan Welch Business boating: Nigel Hamilton Andrew Tidy Volunteers: Ian McCarthy Employees: John Ellis Full results of the election are available here: www.votebyinternet.com/CRTelections2015 A further place on Council has been announced, with Nicola Benjamin co-opted by the Trusts Appointments Committee to represent the charitys Friends (those who give a regular monthly donation). Nicola will initially serve for a two-year period. We expect to run a by-election for a Friend representative in the autumn of 2017. Allan Leighton, chair of the Canal & River Trust, said: I would like to thank all those who put themselves forward for election, and all those who voted for them. The Council plays an important part in the governance of the Trust and brings new voices, ideas and perspectives to our work. I very much look forward to working with the new representatives when they join us in March. The Council is made up of up to 40 nominated, co-opted or elected members as well as the Chairs of 11 regional waterway partnerships. Together they reflect the wide appeal of the waterways from boating and angling through to walking and conservation. The Council is responsible for the appointment of Trustees, helps to shape policies and provides guidance and perspective to Trustees. Partnership Chairs are ex officio members of Council during their terms as Chairs of their Partnerships. The current nominated members of Council all finish their terms of office in March. The nominating organisations will be invited nominate their representatives on the new Council before the March meeting. ENDS For further media requests please contact: Jonathan Ludford, Canal & River Trust t 020 32044420 e jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Jonathan Ludford <Jonathan.Ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk> To Jonathan Ludford Today at 1:11 PM 9 December 2015 CANAL & RIVER TRUST SEEKS NEW TRUSTEES The Canal & River Trust, the guardian of 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is looking for up to four new trustees to join its non-executive Board. The Board of Trustees are the key body responsible for the governance of the Trust. They are also responsible for setting the charitys strategic direction, and play an important role in helping the organisation to attract new investment and to develop new opportunities. Applicants with experience in operations and infrastructure management; charitable trusts, the heritage sector, people management and community and government relations are especially welcome. The Trust is particularly interested in applications from candidates with strong networks in, and connections to, Wales and London. Allan Leighton, chair of the Canal & River Trust Board of Trustees, said: The canals and rivers of England and Wales are a national treasure and a local haven for people and wildlife. Our long-term strategy is centred on a vision of living waterways that transform places and enrich lives, and were looking for applicants with board level experience and a passion for inland waterways who want to get involved and shape that journey. This is a great opportunity to connect our waterways with people and communities across England & Wales, and help to develop strategies that will safeguard our canals and rivers for the generations to come. Once appointed, the new trustees will serve a term of up to three years, with the potential to be re-appointed to serve a second term; they will join the Board ahead of the retirement of a number of current members of the Board who joined the Trust ahead of its establishment in 2012. Successful candidates will need to devote two to three days a month. The role is voluntary, although travel and other expenses will be fully reimbursed. For further details, please contact Saxton Bampfylde Ltd. Email QAWTD@saxbam.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0890 (during office hours). The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 6 January 2016. ENDS For media enquiries please contact: Jonathan Ludford / 07747 897783 / jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Hi, Im trying to determine whether the Boat Inn Public House on the corner of Havacre Lane & Biddings Lane come first or the Canal that runs adjacent to it. The canal & river trust are adamant the canal was there first but can offer no genuine argument to support this statement. Instead they are trying to bamboozle me with a concuction of different stories that differ vastly. If anyone has any information on this issue or on how this section of canal was constructed (given the difference in ground levels) can you please contact me ASAP. It would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Canal & River Trust launches flood appeal The Canal & River Trust has launched an appeal to help restore the waterways for the boaters and communities in the north of England affected by the Boxing Day floods. As water has receded, local people have been counting the cost of the repairs. On the waterways this includes damage to bridges, embankments, towpaths and canal banks. Some sections of affected waterway could be reopened in a matter of weeks, however others, where significant engineering works are needed, could be closed for several months. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust comments: “Many people, including our supporters and boaters, were faced with some of the worst flooding the country has seen. Homes, businesses, canal banks and towpaths were destroyed. “We have been assessing the extensive damage wreaked by the floods and putting together plans for repair. Many stretches of towpath have been closed. We need to rebuild them, so we can continue to provide much needed places for people to escape to, now more than ever. “It is going to be no easy task to repair all of the damage done by the floods, but with so many communities rallying together to make this happen, we know we are not alone. “It’s been wonderful to see people cutting short their festive breaks to get involved, joining our team to clean towpaths and restore as much access as possible. Their help has given us a clearer picture of the scale of the damage and what urgently needs attention. “We are exploring all funding sources, including Government grants, to help us with the clean-up. To support this we are today launching a targeted fundraising appeal to raise vital funds for re-building the waterways in those communities that have been most impacted. “The kindness and spirit of those that have helped so far has shown what can be achieved in the face of adversity. Help us rebuild canals in the heart of flood-hit communities by making a donation today.” To find out more about the appeal please click here canalrivertrust.org.uk/donate/flood-appeal/ Ends For further information contact: jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk 020 3204 4514 Notes to editors: The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites. We believe that living waterways transform places and enrich lives and our role is to make sure there is always a place on your doorstep where you can escape the pressures of everyday life, stretch your legs and simply feel closer to nature. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk @CanalRiverTrust @crtcomms Stephen Hardy Communications Manager Canal & River Trust 01636 675703 07920 077190 @CRTStephen

Written by Allan Richards on "Narrowboatworld" if this is true it is disgusting. http://www.narrowboatworld.com/index.php/news-flash/8547-friend-not-allowed-to-stand-for-council

As I have said to many friends when my boat is sold I will no longer subscribe to CRT as a friend. Instead I have subscribed to another trust at twice what CRT were getting and I see in that venture an organisation which values and is more prudent with its finances gained. Its great to have "friends" like B&Q, Marks & Spencer etc but what do they really bring in? The paying boater and waterside user is the main source and in my opinion gets a raw deal. So goodbye CRT after 40 years with BWB, BW and you I no longer see you fit for purpose. This is the automated reply received: SupporterCare Finance To lhpvideo@yahoo...... Today at 9:12 AM Dear Laurence I want to thank you for the donations you have made to support the work of Canal & River Trust. I am sorry to hear from your bank that you have cancelled your direct debit with the Trust, as requested this has now been cancelled on our systems and no further direct debits will be taken. We will ensure that every penny you have given is spent directly and entirely on work to conserve, restore, enhance and educate people about the waterways. This means that you can be confident that your gift will make a real difference, helping to ensure that our precious canal and river network remains a haven for people and nature now and forever. Thank you once again for your kind support, it has been of great value to our work and I very much hope we can welcome you back as a friend in the future. Kindest Regards Joyce Atkins Supporter Care Administrator Canal & River Trust, First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1BB E: supportercare.finance@canalrivertrust.org.uk Tel: 0303 040 4040 (Option 2) Hmm, most trusts would have asked WHY? !!

Try this for being gainfully employed by CRT. Last Tuesday I got a call from "enforcement" complaining "my" boat was involved in late night partying and running its generator all night just north of Norbury on the Shroppie., I thought that's interesting, first I haven't been there for years and secondly I do not now own "Barnet" and CRT know that and have acknowledged change of ownership. I asked "Helen the enforcer" how many complaints there were, she said two. both had taken the name and number of the boat. Interesting I thought, I know where the boat is and we don't have a genny on board.... "Helen I don't own the boat now", her answer was astounding. "I know but we cant contact the new owner so I thought I would ring you".... err ok Helen wtf am I supposed to do?. "Helen, where are you calling from?" I asked, "The Wolverhampton office" she answered. Now I enjoyed the next part: I asked "Helen have you looked out of the window?" "No" she replies, "Ill get my glasses", Her next words, "Oh I am sorry Laurence, Barnet's outside in the basin" (someone had "cloned" the index number and name) Ask me if I was amused, yes I was. Ask me if the enforcers are intelligent defiantly NO, her car would have been parked facing my former boat!! As my dear old mum used to say "Just like Fred Carno's army, absolutely useless".

Stephen Hardy press release 9 September 2015 VINCE MORAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Vince Moran, Operations & Asset Management Director at the Canal & River Trust, has announced plans to retire in early 2016 after 18 yea ToStephen Hardy Today at 9:56 AM press release 9 September 2015 VINCE MORAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Vince Moran, at the Canal & River Trust, has announced plans to retire in early 2016 after 18 years’ service. Vince said; “I’ve loved my time on the waterways and it’s been a great privilege to have helped with their development and improvement. The formation of the Trust is a particular source of pride and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength. “It’s always been my intention to retire at the age of 60 and, with that milestone coming up early next year, it’s time for me to move on. I’ve met and worked with many fantastic people, both within the Trust and beyond, and I wish them well for the future.” The Trust’s chief executive Richard Parry said; “Vince has fulfilled a range of roles and has contributed widely during his 18 years of service with BW and the Trust. In recent years he has been the driver of the significant improvements we have made in safety, asset management and condition, and day-to-day operations introducing numerous improvements to our ways of working. I wish Vince the best in his well-deserved retirement.” ENDS For further media requests please contact: Stephen Hardy, communications manager, Canal & River Trust T: 01636 675703 M: 07920 077190 E: stephen.hardy@canalrivertrust.org.uk Notes to editors: The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites. We believe that living waterways transform places and enrich lives and our role is to make sure there is always a place on your doorstep where you can escape the pressures of everyday life, stretch your legs and simply feel closer to nature. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk / @CanalRiverTrust / @crtcomms Stephen Hardy Communications Manager Canal & River Trust 01636 675703 07920 077190 @CRTStephen Follow the Canal & River Trust on Twitter @CanalRiverTrust Please visit our website to find out more about our work www.canalrivertrust.org.uk The Canal & River Trust is a new charity entrusted with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. Get involved, join us - Visit / Donate / Volunteer at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk - Sign up for our newsletter at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/newsletter Canal & River Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales with company number 7807276 and charity number 1146792. Registered office address First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB. Elusen newydd yw Glandŵr Cymru sy’n gofalu am 2,000 o filltiroedd o ddyfrffyrdd yng Nghymru a Lloegr. Cymerwch ran, ymunwch â ni - Ewch i Rhoddion a Gwirfoddoli yn www.glandwrcymru.org.uk Mae Glandŵr Cymru yn gwmni cyfyngedig drwy warant a gofrestrwyd yng Nghymru a Lloegr gyda rhif cwmni 7807276 a rhif elusen gofrestredig 1146792. Swyddfa gofrestredig: First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB.

Given the current state of the waterways, turmoil over licencing and moorings could there be a better choice of governing body?

Today at 11:58 AM 16 July 2015 Tony Hales, chair of the Canal & River Trust, is to retire from the charity after its Annual Public Meeting and meeting of the Trusts Council in London on 23 September. In line with the organisations Articles of Association, trustees duly elected the next chair from their number when they met on 15 July. Allan Leighton, chair of the Co-Operative Group, and formerly CEO of Asda Plc and chair of the Royal Mail, will formally take over as chair of the Canal & River Trust following the meeting of Council on 23 September. Allan joined the Board in September 2014. Lynne Berry, deputy chair of the Canal & River Trust and chair of the Trusts Appointments Committee, comments: Under the leadership of Tony Hales so much has been achieved for the nations waterways. He had the vision and passion to take the waterways out of state control in what was the largest ever transfer of state infrastructure into a charitable organisation. Since that remarkable achievement in 2012, he has set the path for a bright future for the waterways for generations to come. On behalf of everyone who cares for the waterways Id like to thank him for his tremendous leadership, personal commitment and unbridled enthusiasm. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Allan Leighton as the incoming chair of the Canal & River Trust. He takes on the role at such an exciting time as the Trust looks to build on the firm foundation that has been built under Tonys chairmanship. His vast experience and insight, combined with his belief in the importance of our canal system to public life, will give us further impetus as we continue to realise the potential of the Canal & River Trust to transform places and enrich lives. Although retiring from the Trust, Tony Hales will continue to be a non-executive director of a number of other organisations. Hell remain a passionate supporter of the waterways. Tony Hales comments: I have relished seeing how our once forgotten and neglected waterways have morphed into community hubs, bringing people together, improving lives, and providing new opportunities for all ages to experience their beauty and value. A really big thanks to everyone staff, volunteers, supporters and partners without you it just couldnt have been done. New people bring new experiences and fresh perspectives and I welcome Allan Leightons appointment as chair as he takes up the mantle at this important time in the development of the Trust. Allan Leighton, trustee and chair designate of the Canal & River Trust, comments: I am delighted to be chairing such an exciting charity. Anyone who has spent time on the waterways can testify what they have to offer the people across England and Wales from amazing wildlife and unparalleled industrial heritage to life changing opportunities to get out onto the water or onto the towpaths to improve our health and mental wellbeing. As a keen canal walker and towpath runner I have been passionate about these special blue places for years. Ive been impressed by the work of the Trusts staff and volunteers and am really looking forward to working with chief executive Richard Parry and his team to build upon the strong financial foundation and fantastic support that the Trust has to secure the waterways contribution for future generations. The Trustee Board is legally responsible for ensuring the Canal & River Trust works towards its Charitable Objectives. The unpaid posts set the overarching policy and strategy for the Trust, and provide oversight of the executive team. The Canal & River Trusts Annual Public Meeting will take place at 10am on 23 September at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London, SW1P 3NZ. To book a place visit: canalrivertrustapm.eventbrite.com. The Trusts Annual Report and accounts will be published on Tuesday 21 July. ENDS For media enquiries please contact: Jonathan Ludford: 020 32044420 Jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Yesterday I attended the Manchester & Pennine Annual 'outburst', where the council of middle aged men , (all white and only one boater) report back to 'stakeholders'. It was interesting, I have not been to one before. Towpath cyclists were discussed and signage along the Ashton Canal. The Transhipment Shed report is going to be showcased at Whaley Bridge this weekend and I would urge as many to attend as you can. It will be interesting to see if they took any of the points boaters made. Marple Aquaduct consultation is also to be published and although 69% of respondents rejected the idea; they may be forced to go ahead as England Heritage was written to regarding the 'lack of a safety rail'. Although, not the Peak Forest,, CRT has applied for the Macclesfield Canal to have Green Flag status. Anyone travelling down, or have helped on work parties, will know what a difference the trimming of the offside vegetation has made and the plan is to do the same on the Peak Forest in October. Mostly, the day was about partnership and getting everyone working together to benefit the cut. I was glad that I was able to go and put names to faces. One thing the head of customer services said to me was, please keep telling us when things aren't right, because if we don't know, we can't fix it. So, keep tweeting, facebooking and phoning them. I think they might actually be listening

9 January 2015 NEW HEAD OF CUSTOMER SERVICES AT CANAL & RIVER TRUST The Canal & River Trust has appointed Ian Rogers as its first permanent head of customer services. The new role supports the Trusts 10-year strategy to create stronger connections between the charity and the millions of people who use and enjoy its waterways each year, and is part of a renewed focus on improving the service the charity offers to customers. Ian, who will be starting his role on 2 February, comes from Aon, the large insurance broker, where he has been managing director of the Aon Affinity division working with SME (small anyd medium-sized enterprises) customers. Prior to that, he worked in senior customer service roles at Dataforce, Thomas Cook and Eurostar. Ians priority will be to lead the Trusts programme of customer service improvements, ensuring that all parts of the organisation put customers at the heart of what they do. He will assume direct responsibility for leisure boating, licencing and enforcement. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said: Im delighted to welcome Ian to the Trust. Our future success requires us to continue to change how we do things; to engage with all those who use or visit our waterways, or live alongside them, in a different way, and to make customer service and community involvement central to how we operate. Ians role will be vital in making these essential changes that will put our customers at the centre of our operation. As part of Trusts ten-year strategy, the charitys 11 waterway units will have greater focus on delivering excellent day-to-day customer service to boaters and other visitors, and working with their local Waterways Partnerships to create stronger relationships with local communities and stakeholders. ENDS For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, national press officer, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Ever been annoyed by those Towpath Chuggers? well it seems they want more and they are paying £9.00 per hour, travel and accommodation expenses! Is this the way forward for CRT fundraising? putting it out to a third party fim "Inspired People" - What exactly will this achieve and what is the true cost in the first place to CRT. Maybe Ruth Ruderham can explain. http://www.gumtree.com/sellerads/1030390425?page=1 http://www.gumtree.com/p/general-jobs/footpath-fundraisers-for-canal-river-trust-london-%C2%A39-hour/1030390425

RayT PM'ed me with the following, As usual no discussion on the thread, please. Feel free to start new topics to discuss if you wish We thank Ray for sending this. Theo

The minutes of the NUF on September 12th are now available here: 12th Sept minutes I think the best way to handle this is for people to read them, if something is unclear I'll try to clarify it. If that doesn't work I'll email CRT Richard

On the CRT website at http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/blogs they publish blogs from various CRT people, including one from me. Does anybody 1) know they are there and 2) read them? I personally find them quite interesting but difficult to find. Views?

Ever since Tony Dunkley's first post, this topic, like topsy, has just "grow'd". I, like many others following this case, I suspect, find it informative and educational. At the moment we are all stuck in limbo waiting for the 24th. Hopefully this thread will keep us junkies satisfied till then. One thing that hasn't been covered, in detail, is the subject of injunctions. Nigel Moore Posted 22 October 2014 - 09:12 PM "Earlier in fact the time to initiate action was from the moment they revoked the licence in the first place. That took place months before he applied for a new one and was refused. The very first thing to do under those circumstances is to apply for an injunction against them acting on the situation. If nothing else, they dont care for that, and would probably offer an undertaking not to so act without at least initial discussion within the legal department at a higher level than is ordinarily indulged in." How would a person, in Tony Dunkley's situation, go about this? What does it involve? Could they get legal aid? As an aside may I ask Tony Dunkley why you didn't apply for one? All along I have thought it was out of ignorance, as it would have been for myself and, perhaps, many others. I'm not sure that this is correct though. Only yesterday it occurred to me that you had written some very knowledgeable and insightful posts. Tom

CANAL & RIVER TRUST INTRODUCES NEW INITIATIVES TO HELP MANAGE LONDON MOORINGS This month, the Canal & River Trust is beginning a range of initiatives to help manage the ever-increasing number of boats in London. Its recruiting a number of enforcement personnel, starting a programme of text-messaging reminders to overstaying boaters and bringing in some changes to central London visitor moorings. Londons waterways have seen a 36% rise in boat numbers over the past five years to 2,964 boats in March 2014 (from 2,175 boats in 2007). In the past year alone, overall numbers have risen by 14%, while the number of continuous cruisers in East London has increased by 85%. The new initiatives, which include the recently-announced changes to central London visitor moorings, aim to encourage greater movement of boats to make mooring fairer for everyone. This month the Trust will start to text message Londons boaters when theyve reached the maximum stay time on a 14-day towpath mooring, as a gentle reminder that its time to move on. These reminders are already sent to boaters on parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Trusts team will carry on speaking face-to-face with overstaying boaters and leaving notices on boats. The Trust has recently recruited an enforcement supervisor and an additional enforcement officer for London. Another enforcement officer vacancy is also being advertised to bring the London enforcement team back up to full strength. Enforcement is vital, especially in busy locations that are popular with boaters who may be having trouble getting to grips with the movement rules. The enforcement team enforces the rules so everyone is treated fairly, and also offers advice and guidance to boaters who run into difficulties. The Trusts programme of new casual moorings is moving forward with new mooring rings on the way at Camden (Camley Street) and Haggerston (Actons Lock). The sites require the completion of a technical assessment and appropriate timetabling of the work and it is hoped the installation will start soon. Moorings are also being planned along the Lee Navigation next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Boaters views on other suitable locations are welcome. The Trust is aiming to establish additional facilities for boaters by seeking provision in new canalside development, as well as any new mooring sites. In particular, new facilities are planned in Haggerston and on the Lee Navigation by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In August a number of changes will be made to the visitor moorings in Paddington Basin. The plan includes installing a new water point, updating signage and new bookable moorings at Rembrandt Gardens. These actions build on feedback from the Better Relationships Group, which was set up with boating groups to help improve communications and engage boaters, in particular, in developing local policy. Sorwar Ahmed, London boater liaison manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: Were doing all we can to manage the canals and rivers for the benefit of all both those who make Londons waterways their home, and those who want to visit the capital. I hope these measures help to ease the pressure of boating in the capital, and give everyone a fair chance to moor up safely.

Canal & River Trust announces £3m additional investment in improving the nations waterways for boaters The Canal & River Trust has announced a £3m package of additional investment in the waterways to improve the experience for boaters and other visitors. Around £2m will fund dredging projects on the Erewash Canal, Trent & Mersey and a number of sections of the North Stratford Canal. This completes the full £7m dredging programme that the Trust will deliver this year, as part of its commitment to deliver £80m of dredging over the ten years from 2013. In addition, just over £1m of new money will go into a variety of other customer service improvements such as further vegetation management, repairing waterway walls and towpaths, improving sanitary stations and mooring locations and making lock operation easier. This additional investment is available because the Trust is anticipating that it will exceed its revenue target for the year and earn more money than originally planned. The investment will be targeted at specific projects across the network, identified locally from customer feedback. A breakdown of the additional work is appended; it will include: · improving sanitary stations on the North West and Midlands canals, the Kennet & Avon Canal and in London; · lock operation improvements on the Calder & Hebble and Huddersfield Narrow Canal · tackling more offside vegetation in the South West, London and on the Shropshire Union Canal; and, · providing better visitor moorings in Chester, Macclesfield, London, Birmingham and the East Midlands. The plans have the support of the Trusts independent Navigation Advisory Group a panel of boaters from a variety of backgrounds who provide advice and feedback on issues including safety, maintenance, moorings and licensing. Boaters are invited to send any further suggestions to their local waterway team. Richard Parry, chief executive of the Trust said: Its great news that, thanks to a lot of great work behind the scenes, were in a position to put this extra investment into improving things for our boating customers. Ive spent a lot of time listening to boaters, through my series of open meetings and elsewhere, and I know that these are some of the things that have a real bearing on their experience of our waterways. Thats why Im very pleased that, with guidance from our Navigation Advisory Group, we can target this investment at those areas we know will really make a difference. Weve made clear our commitment to improving things for customers as part of our strategy for the next ten years, and we want to maintain the dialogue with boaters to ensure that, when opportunities arise to increase our spending, we can be responsive and apply our resources to make a positive difference. Mike Carter, chair of the Navigation Advisory Group added: It is great to see the Trust delivering on its commitment to invest to improve those services that boaters value the most. My Group has appreciated the chance to input our experience into this process. The news comes shortly after the Trust announced a series of changes to its structure aimed at improving customer service and building closer links with communities and those that enjoy the waterways. The projects will take place between now and April 2015, and the breakdown of the additional investment is as follows: · North Stratford Canal dredging - £400,000 · Trent & Mersey Canal dredging - £200,000 · Erewash Canal dredging - £500,000 · National spot dredging programme - £900,000 · Towpath improvements including wash wall - £375,000 · Sanitary station improvements - £225,000 · Offside vegetation with access improvements - £225,000 · Visitor mooring improvements - £165,000 · Lock operation improvements - £55,000 ENDS

The draft winter stoppages programme for 2014/15 is now up on the CRT website: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/winter CRT are inviting boaters to take a look and let them know their comments, to help them keep disruption to a minimum. Once the first round of comments has been received CRT works planners will consider all the feedback, both online and from engineers, and will make amendments. Comments will be open on the first version of CRT plans until Friday 20 June.