Houseboats for Hayes

Published: Friday, 21 January 2011

THERE are plans for a wharf in Hayes on the Grand Union Canal to accommodate  nine houseboats.

British Waterways has drawn up the application for the new wharf, which it is believed will counteract anti-social behaviour in the town, but there is doubt as to who will pay the estimated £250,000 needed for its construction, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Minimise anti-social behaviour

Senior manager Tav Kazmi explained:

"Bringing life and activity to the water means there are more eyes and ears out and about on the canal, which we know from experience in other locations helps minimise anti-social behaviour.

"It's likely that we will need to work with private investors and local businesses to develop this scheme, a strategy that we are already working on."

Welcoming to boaters

The project is part of an attempt to make the canal an attraction and more welcoming to boat owners as they pass through Hayes.

The Hayes scheme would include temporary moorings and landscaping  the waterfront, that has deteriorated because of neglect and anti-social behaviour.