Those illusive numbers

I AM not sure that the figures quoted for visitors are unrealistic writes the Chairman of Grantham Canal Society, Mike Stone.

The Grantham Canal is 33 miles long and on an average day about 50 people walk their dogs somewhere along it covering virtually every mile of the towpath.

Numbers mount

That equates to over 18,000 visits per year! Now consider adding family groups (lots in fine weather), cyclists (regular and frequent on parts), anglers (every day), customers (at least 250 this year) of our trip-boat and individuals just wandering then numbers mount. Our three towpath counters each record over 50,000p.a.

Look at Gunthorpe on the River Trent where on the water-side there are two busy restaurants, a large and thriving pub plus bistro café right beside the lock. Add to their trade the river-side walkers who pass in their hundreds on a fine day, a few boaters (the moorings are always busy) and numbers rapidly grow.

If one quiet canal can deliver an estimated 150,000 visits and Gunthorpe well beyond that total are the numbers so unrealistic?

For what purpose

Well it does depend what you count and for what purpose! Should a person walking daily be counted 360 times or just once? What is the significant attraction at Gunthorpe—the river or the food?

We must be careful not to misuse statements that are correct in one context but not in another. It used to be said that the level of drunkenness in an area was in direct proportion to the number of Methodist ministers.

Absolute fact! However, there was, and still is, no link between the statements. So what do the numbers really represent? Can somebody tell us?