Another London Mooring strategy

THE ever increasing demand for 'cheap' housing on boats in London has prompted the Canal & River Trust to develop another mooring strategy.

It's definition is that it 'plans to develop a London Mooring Strategy to address the unique challenges and opportunities of boating in the capital'.

Third strategy

It was in December 2014 that it announced its last mooring strategy for the capital when it met with local councils, boaters and residents, to manage moorings, (Another London mooring strategy) this being a replacement strategy itself, but since then visiting boaters have complained of no mooring space being available, it being taken up with residents, either permanent or continuous cruisers.

The Trust explains that this has led to pressure on moorings, facilities and infrastructure, admitting it can be hard to find space at towpath moorings in the most popular areas while the supply of long-term moorings isn't enough to meet demand.

Once again it tells that a London Mooring Strategy will allow the Trust to take a look at how to manage these issues, as well as make the most of opportunities that will help it maintain the waterways for the benefit of boaters and other users.

The aims:

• For better provision and management of a range of facilities and mooring types in London
• To manage the high number of boats in London and to mitigate the environmental impacts on the waterways and neighbours
• To help ensure fair sharing of water space
• To enable a wider range of boaters to visit and navigate in London
• To protect existing, and generate additional, income to maintain the waterways in London
• To support a London waterway destination and tourism strategy
• To ensure the mooring strategy contributes to the Trust's aim that London's waterways help to transform neighbourhoods and enrich people's lives

Need to manage

Matthew Symonds, Boating Strategy and Engagement Manager at the Trust, explains: "London's waterways are some of the busiest in the country and we need to manage the finite space effectively. We need to face the challenges head on, as well as taking advantage of the opportunity to develop a really world-class waterspace that people will be able to visit and enjoy. We'll be working closely with those who use the capital's canals and rivers to make sure we hear everyone's views and make well-informed decisions."

The new London Mooring Strategy is anticipated to be completed in 2017.