CanalCuttings - Your FREE Online-world British Inland Waterways, Narrowboat, River Cruiser, Canal Boat Magazine, Info Source and Britain's & Narrowboat Holiday Guide.
Around 800 Pages of Information and Features About Canals, Navigable Rivers and Their Usage - We're not just a Narrowboat World Magazine. The website includes River and Inland Waterways information - UK Inland Waterways Press Releases and Articles Invited.

New Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch

A new Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch scheme
is due to be launched simultaneously with the opening
of the new Mercia Marina at Willington, Derbyshire on Saturday 6th September 2008.

PC Chris Fearn and other prime movers of the Derbyshire Constabulary Canal Watch Scheme

Primarily the idea of PC Chris Fearn of Derbyshire Constabulary, the Mercia area neighbourhood officer who working in partnership with, South Derbyshire County Council, Mercia Marina and British Waterways aims to provide a safer community within the boating world.

Canal watch is primarily a web-site based application for residents of Mercia marina and canal boat owners moored along the 17 miles of canal system within the South Derbyshire area. To apply to join Canal watch, apply online at www.canalwatch.org.uk, or pick up an application pack from Mercia Marina.

Members who join the new scheme will receive a pack with information on how to apply to become a member of canal watch, useful contacts, and how to report matters arising with regards to the safe operation of the canal system. Members will also receive ultra violet pens for marking their property in their boats and two Canal Watch stickers, which will identify boats that are members of this scheme.

Members are also encouraged to report matters of crime against boats and acts of criminal damage along the canal system as well as problems arising with the canal or towpath. These reports will then be channeled to the appropriate authority with responsibility for further action.

Members will also be eligible to join the “Ringmaster” network where Derbyshire Police raise awareness of any problems within the area.

PC Chris Fearn from Mercia Safer Neighbourhood team said: “This is a great initiative for members of the boating community who can be vulnerable on occasions”.

“They can keep up to date with relevant information relating to safety on the local waterways and the scheme also provides a channel of communication for reporting crimes against boats and waterway related problems”.

To contact your local safer Neighbourhood team please call: 0845 123 33 33