CaRT cuts Lancaster moorings

Canal & River Trust have removed important moorings in Lancaster on the Lancaster Canal, making it near impossible for visitors to moor in the city, and Ian Mayoh writes.

I have recently had correspondence with CaRT regarding the removal of visitor moorings at Lancaster, on the Lancaster Canal, that has effectively removed over 50% of mooring capacity in this very popular area.

Disappointed

Part of sending this is in the hope that you may publish some of this and warn boaters visiting the Lancaster that they may be disappointed if they fancy a stop-over in the beautiful city of Lancaster, and also maybe to prompt others to pile the complaints onto CaRT.

My exchange was with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with my shot to them as follows:

'On a recent boating trip to Lancaster I, disappointingly, found that mooring on the towpath around Chancellors Wharf has been 'banned', following mooring ring removal and the addition of CaRT 'No Mooring' signs. This is effectively making Lancaster a 'no-go' area for regular cruisers and visitors to the area.

I would respectfully ask, why CaRT has taken this action in what is probably one of the most visited areas of the Lancaster and when we are likely to see this restriction removed?

I had heard on the proverbial grapevine that this had been done in response to smoke from boats causing false alarms within the university accommodation. However, during my weekend visit, with no boats present adjacent to the buildings the alarms were activated at least twice!

In fairness, it probably wouldn't be quite so bad if CaRT applied the mooring regulations fairly on the off-side, and moved the 'Regular Moorers', some of whom have been there for months.

I look forward to hearing from you in due course'.

Complaints

And the reply:

'Thank you for your email of 12th April 2013 regarding mooring in the basin in Lancaster, adjacent to the university. It was included within the original agreements with the university that mooring in these basin areas would not be permitted, with the exception of a heritage craft which no longer exists. The area was never signed or enforced. However, following several complaints from the residents from the university accommodation relating to the moorings, they have asked us to sign and enforce the agreement.

The towpath in the area runs alongside the Water Witch public house, rather than the chancellors wharf. We take regular sightings along the Lancaster Canal, monitoring overstaying vessels and act accordingly.

I hope that the above helps with your enquiries. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions'

Incidentally, most of the ‘constant moorers' mentioned above are still in the same spots.