CaRT ignoring G&S problems

CaRT are still not addressing problems with moorings on the Gloucester/Sharpness canal, writes Peter Ponting.

At Sims Bridge a wide Dutch barge has been moored for over four months, in the same place with dog walkers complaining of human excrement found in the vicinity.

Taken residence

The usual group of moorers have again taken residence at the visitors moorings at Rea Bridge. This includes garden furniture and gazeebos, so nobody can moor in that position. They will presumably have the same parties throughout the summer, despite a bridge keeper being less than 100 yards away ignoring all of this.

Moving on to Sellers Bridge, two boats have taken up prime positions, and have been there for two months.

Parkend Bridge and Saul Bridge (pictured) are clear due to lack of facilities...

Continuous moorers

The visitor moorings near Fretherne Bridge are non existent, taken up by continuous moorers, some have been there since Christmas 2012. The private moorings are taken up by boats with generators. Say no more.

Moorings are available at Splat and Cambridge.

Dedicated to water voles

Moving on to Slimbridge (pictured) If you want to take on water at the two available water points, forget it. These are usually taken up by moorers. Then you have the fenced off areas dedicated to water voles. so limited mooring.

CaRT have boats at Purton moored near the pump out facility, this means careful manoeuvring, however, ignorant boaters make this sometimes impossible.

Cannot keep control

In conclusion. The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is 16 miles long, an easy cruising canal with no locks. If CaRT cannot keep control of this short stretch of canal, they have no chance of controlling 2,000 miles of the canal network