Concern over mooring permits

THERE is concern amongst boaters with Canal & River Trust admitting its General Towpath Mooring Permit (GTM) may have been illegal, and John Howard writes:

 

I'm intrigued to read that CaRT have acknowledged that the General Towpath Mooring Permit may have been illegal, and have therefore withdrawn it for this winter, but what I don't understand is how this is different to their offering of general towpath locations (such as Grafton Regis and Stoke Hammond amongst others) is any different?

Surely the same

Surely this is the same as last year for boaters who despite buying the General Mooring Permit decided to stay in a single, towpath, location for the winter period. Does this perhaps mean that sections of these normally towpath moorings will be signposted and set as GTM locations for the winter months?

I also notice the absence of Gifford Park from the list. A popular stopping point for boaters in the winter months due no doubt to the combination of water point, Elsan, rubbish bins and a pub!

Less than friendly locals

Perhaps the less than friendly locals, who by various underhand means attempt to discourage boats from mooring outside their homes, have finally found some support from within CaRT now that Janet Ling has gone (who I understand was one of the few to support boaters rights on this section of towpath when mounds if soil were piled along the canal's edge to discourage moorers).

I have spoken to several boaters recently who feel that, despite CaRTs claims, the cost for a designated winter mooring permit has increased, and therefore have decided not to participate this year. For our own part, we have taken the decision each winter to 'see how it goes' and only purchase a winter permit as a final resort. I am pleased to report that so far we have never had a problem navigating the network over the winter months, and so with careful planning and the maintenance of water levels, pump-out and coal stocks have managed to maintain all boaty functions as per normal.

Take our chance

I did read recently that the UK was in for a record breaking freeze this year. But I seem to recall I've read similar reports prior to the previous two winters too. So we will once again take our chances alongside the many other boaters on the network to enjoy the different aspects of the canals that those fair weather boaters never get to see and appreciate.