We hear that 'During 2026, the Trust will increase the scope of the Better Boating Plan to tackle more of the tasks that matter most to boaters, writes Bill Ridgeway.
This year the focus has included fixing broken paddles, more planned preventative maintenance at locks and movable bridges, and improving grass cutting. In the year ahead this will be expanded with options including an increased focus on addressing lock gate leaks, removing sunken boats, accelerating offside vegetation removal and filling gaps in facility provision'.
Is this an exercise in telling them what they want to hear?
We also hear that 'We have faced almost unprecedented challenges in the last year in looking after and keeping the network navigable'.
A comparison between CaRT management and BWB management (for all its faults) will demonstrate that it is disingenuous to complain about the consequences of self-made problems.
Call me cynical if you like.