Row over Berkhamsted mooring restrictions

A ROW has erupted between residents and boaters at Berkhamsted on the Grand Union Canal over Canal & River Trust's proposed mooring restrictions in the town.

The new rules that are at present under consultation restrict the mooring in the town to just two days, Howard Clarke tells us.

Complaints

The row is between the the Berkhamsted Citizens Association, which tells that it received complaints last summer, that supports the plans for the restriction and the boaters who want to stay in Berkhamsted for longer periods, with residents complaining of late night parties.

The Association is in favour of the restriction with  its spokesman, Vice Chairman Gordon Bluck, telling Tring Today:

Anti-social behaviour

"Certain boaters were not playing the game. There were no restrictions before and there was anti-social behaviour. They were causing a bit of a nuisance and caused a great deal of fuss.

"I'm aware that the boaters are unhappy but there are elements of the boating community that are not respectful to what is a nice environment. If the boaters win the day, so be it—we are not a single pressure group. We are just representing the community."

Should see bigger picture

However, Sam Elgar told Tring Today:

"I consider Berkhamsted home and I'm one of the people who is being pushed out. They [the trust] need to look at the bigger picture and not be blinded by the propaganda of what has been expressed by the association."

Should you want to support the boaters, the consultation period ends on 29th February.