Untreated sewage in the canal
THE National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) tell of the stench from untreated sewage in the waterway at London's Little Venice.
That has been causing local businesses, boaters and tourists to suffer for more than a week, the NBTA telling:
Increased fees significantly
The Canal & River Trust has increased fees significantly in recent years but stands accused of failing to build or maintain important infrastructure for the boating community.
Since the CRT took over management of 2000 miles of waterways in 2012, it has built no new sewage disposal points or waste facilities during its tenure despite a 15% rise of liveaboard boaters during the period 2011 to 2021. Those that remain are rare and can be in a state of disrepair, leaving boaters with few options. Before breaking down, the disposal point at Little Venice was the only one available facility within a nine miles radius.
More charges
The CRT charges boaters £20 to use the overflowing pump-out facility at Little Venice and, earlier this year, introduced a nightly £35 charge to moor on the stretch. Nevertheless, the CRT, who have an office overlooking the popular site, have allowed raw sewage to fester unattended on the towpath for an extended period of time.
The CRT recently introduced a new surcharge for itinerant boaters dependent on facilities like those at Little Venice earlier this year and announced further plans to increase fees for boaters by 34% over the next five years, all while failing to provide minimum service standards.
At least 15 CRT executives take home £100,000 in pay annually.
Endangering health and damaging wildlife
This recent failure from the CRT to provide basic sanitation is endangering health, damaging wildlife and affecting local businesses.
Marcus Trower Chairman of the London branch of National Bargee Travellers Association complained:
“CRT mismanagement is putting boaters’ and the public's health at risk. They must immediately rectify the situation and restore sanitation facilities across the country, especially those in high-use areas in our major cities.
"Neglecting the facilities on our waterways while charging boaters a premium cannot continue.”