IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO that the fight for moorers to retain their boatyard in Oxford was lost.
This was situated at Jericho at the bottom of the Oxford Canal and was the only off-line mooring available on the canal in the city.
In came the bailiffs
But the former British Waterways wanted to sell the site for housing, so in came the bailiffs to move them, as featured at that time in narrowboatworld.
Now, 20 years later there is still no housing development on that yard, that remains locked and empty.
But Oxford City Council had had enough, so last Wednesday Jericho Wharf site was approved for a compulsory purchase order, as a developer has not come to take forward plans for a DIY boatyard, community centre and riverside housing.
So after all these year it seems that the boaters will get a boatyard at Jericho after all should a developer be found to partner the council.
Remained empty
During the years it had remained empty after the original planning approval for the site lapsed, following delay after delay.
In addition to the boatyard, there are plans for a new community space to serve Jericho and the surrounding area.
Councillor Ed Turner of Oxford City Coucil stated:
"My patience is at an end, we just need to crack on."