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British Waterways Press Update – January 2010

CONTENTS: 1. Winter Stoppage programme - 2. Grand Union near Berkhamsted dredging programme - 3. Marsworth Yard re-development proposals

1. Winter stoppage programme

The recent spell of cold weather has caused well publicised disruption across the UK, including on BW’s waterways where an estimated 90% of the network froze. In particular, scheduled engineering works that are part of BW’s winter stoppage programme have been adversely impacted.

Vince Moran, BW’s operations director comments: “Subject to the weather over coming days and weeks, we will do what we can to recover as much ground as possible. It is highly likely that we will need to use the two weeks between the end of the published programme and Easter to complete many projects. If things get really tight, priority will be given to gate replacement.

“If it transpires that some stoppages are required to continue over and even beyond Easter, we will keep the disruption to an absolute minimum and try and ensure that alternative routes are available.”

2. Grand Union near Berkhamsted dredging programme

BW is progressing a project to dredge a mile-long stretch of canal south of Berkhamsted this Spring at a cost of up to £300k. The dredging, between bridges 143 and 145, is aimed to be completed ahead of the main boating season.

Paul Fox, dredging manager comments: “The work on this site is part of an extensive programme of dredging we are undertaking this year, which also includes projects on the River Stort, the River Soar, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the Macclesfield Canal and dredging for the restoration of the Droitwich Barge Canal.

“The cost of dredging BW’s waterways has significantly increased in recent years due to more rigorous legislation and associated disposal costs. This particular section of the Grand Union at Berkhamsted requires dredging primarily because of the number of storm overflows that enter the canal at this point. Testing of the canal bed will determine if the dredgings can be used for bank stabilisation on site or if a more costly removal is required.”

3. Marsworth Yard re-development proposals

The planning application by H2O – a partnership between British Waterways and the private sector company, bloc – for the redevelopment of the largely derelict site at Marsworth has been withdrawn following discussions with the local planning authority. The decision is based on the need for further work on the issues surrounding the demolition and clearance of the site.

H2O remains committed to its objective of bringing this underused canalside site back to life at the same time as improving the local village environment by removing the derelict concrete batching plant. H2O has undertaken to carry out further consultation with local residents and the local council before submitting an improved proposal.