Hire fleets co-ordinated in stoppage

I HEARD directly from CART staff on the Bank Holiday Monday of the incident just 30 minutes after it had happened, and was told that engineers would be on site first thing Tuesday for an assessment of the damage/repair. In the meantime I personally visited the site to just see the problem for myself, writes Ann Davies of Napton Narrowboats.

By 10.30 on Tuesday the hire fleets had co-ordinated and worked together on both possible outcomes and potential contingency plans. Any affected hire boats were identified and where necessary were contacted.

The hire companies affected received a direct visit from the waterway manager with and update on Tuesday afternoon.

On site by Wednesday

The contractors were on site by Wednesday and by lunchtime there were only six private boats waiting at Marston Doles to descend. Some of the boats attending the IWA weekend at Braunston were affected when trying to return to their home moorings but we were able to offer preferential terms to them to moor here at Napton Marina due to the circumstances.

We were kept informed at all stages of the repair and with the exception of 1 boat which was due back on Friday—none of the other hire boats experienced any significant change in their plans for their holidays. Indeed when I spoke to our own hirers they were in Banbury and happily offered to extend their holiday! Now I know this would not apply in every case but I can assure you that the hire fleets do co-operate and plan accordingly. There was no outrage from the hire companies but a willingness to help all boaters and CaRT to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

Grateful to CaRT

I am personally very grateful to CaRT and the contractors who worked through the night to ensure that the Napton Lock Flight could re-open on Friday. I agree that the structure may not win any prize for it's aesthetics but it is functional. CaRT will operate the lock which will involve some restrictions but the alternative would have been complete closure so it is manageable. CaRT will be operating the lock and the situation will be monitored.

Besides most people want to visit the excellent Folly pub either on their first or last night!

CaRT also very sensibly managed to carry out the work to Lock 8, due for a stoppage on May 13th so that will now not take place.

Minimise impact

Until recent memory in the 'good old days' the Oxford Canal regularly closed in Summer and the hire industry and boating organisations always worked with British Waterways to minimise the impact on not just hire companies but all boaters.

On this occasion I believe credit is due for a superb effort by all involved and does not really need a doom and gloom editorial message.