Your replies to Victor

THE article published by our Victor Swift has certainly raised the matter of the continuous moorers once again, so for just today, the embargo is being lifted and the emails included:

Won't be enforced

I don't think that boaters need worry too much about any new mooring rules brought in, for what is the chance of them being enforced?

The present rules are a complete mockery, as I have often complained about them being ignored by selfish boaters, but except for the standard reply, nothing has ever been done.

I was one of those who complained about that moorer on the limited ring/bollard 48 hour moorings at Willington for months on end, but if he hadn't fallen in and drowned, he would still be there I'm sure.

Can anybody see all the moorings inspected daily? Where's the staff? And knowing the attitude of those selfish boaters, volunteers will never put up with the intimidation.

James Henry.

Common sense

Good to hear a bit of common sense regarding these proposed measures to control illegal mooring.

If people sign up to move every 14 days, why should they be allowed to take up residence as and where they like, at the expense of those who wish to abide by the rules; and as for using their children as an excuse to over-stay, let's take them into care and send 'em up chimneys to pay for mum and dad's mooring fees.

But seriously, what ever happened to abiding by the rules—when I started boating in the 60s that's what you did—no arguments; let's get back to an honest society and do what we agree to.
Graham Westgate.

Overstaying is rife

I will now start to read narrowboatworld with more interest again. It seemed if the site had become the organ of the vociferous few with the majority view outlawed by the embargo.

Overstaying is rife in many areas. We live close to the canal and witnessed in 2011/12 boaters arrive on 48h moorings in November and leave in March. No—not Winter moorers—just overstayers on continuous cruiser licences.

Chris and Jane.

Ridiculous proposals

I quite agree with Victor's comments about mooring, and also with his observation that when a new patrol officer is appointed, his stretch is soon cleared.

Therefore, why waste time on these ridiculous proposals which only penalise people who abide by the current rules?

Those who break them will continue to do so. I will fight to the bitter end to retain my right to stay in one place for two weeks, as I am now entitled to do, regardless of hire boats.

Why not scrap this ludicrous proposal and instead recruit more patrol officers to enforce the current rules?

I definitely do not agree with Victor's comment 'Good idea Sally'. Has she ever had a good idea?

Martin Brooks.

Moor in the sticks

I can but agree with most of what Victor wrote yesterday, especially about those what he has named continuous moorers that take advantage and ignore the rules, but we must not overlook the proposal to cut the hours of visitor mooring right down to to 48 hours, that will be okay for such as Victor whom I gather cruises on holidays, but makes a mockery of being able to stay 14 days in one place.  It doesn't seem right to allow 14 days on a licence, then restrict mooring for 48 hours, or perhaps we have to moor out in the sticks?

I have just read that London Boaters have joined the fray to get this all on a sensible footing, but the association which is supposed to be for the boater is not only silent, but from what I can gather is even siding with CaRT.  One thing though, here is another member that will not be renewing her IWA subscription.

Helen Spinkwater.

Use is changing

In reference to the ‘Moorers' debate, and without being personal, it seems that Victor's recognition that the media tend to like stories about children, school, medical problems, work etc, would suggest that maybe the singular focus on the canals as a leisure environment is a problem in itself. Canal use has changed (it has always been changing) and it is in the interests of everyone to recognise what has happened before deciding point-blank to try to return to some halcyon past.

It is clear that the shortcomings of British Waterways management of the canals led to an informal pattern of use that does not necessarily fit within their ‘guidelines', though it may very well be entirely within the law. It is likely that CaRT are not in a position to manage the ‘problem' of ‘continuous moorers' in a way that succeeds in eradicating entirely this much-maligned group or of changing their behaviour so much as for them to be unrecognisable. It therefore behoves us to find out first exactly what the present pattern of use is, and what effects it is having, and how the canals might be managed in the interest of all—perhaps even improved?

Surely the problem Victor describes, that may be affecting his journeying, is ‘overstaying'—isn't that a bit fairer? Hate the Sin but spare a little love for the Sinner? And isn't that a bit more manageable? It is possible to entirely outlaw a way of life, but this is better left to despots in government than bureaucrats in charities...

Andrew Bailes.

[The above were all the emails received today (Monday) on this matter, so no more please—Editor.]