Want mooring stopped to save towpath

Published: Thursday, 24 September 2009

RESIDENTS at Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal want mooring stopped in the town as they believe boats are responsible for crumbling towpaths.

The residents have complained to British Waterways to take action against boaters to stop them mooring, using the excuse of Frank Batchelor falling in the waterway off his electric scooter.

Matt Bolton who lives by the canal, and was one of the first on the scene, stated that cyclists too have fallen in the canal owing to the crumbling towpath, where there is a sharp turn, stating:

"British Waterways need to sort the path out and stop boats mooring. The mooring is making it worse and eroding the bank."

However, Susie Mercer, for British Waterways, explained:

"It isn't possible to widen the towpath without impinging on the width of the navigation. We cannot provide a wide level surface in all locations and it is important for people to make their own judgements about whether a surface or location is appropriate to their needs."