Oh so sad

STUNG by criticism from Waterways World readers in its January edition (Interview rebounded—18th December), Canal & River Trust Chairman Tony Hales has corrected what he said at the Trust's first annual meeting, writes Allan Richards.

Having dismissed those that hold views contrary to his own at the annual meeting with 'there are sad people who continue to knock the trust', he now tells Waterways World 'I do welcome constructive criticism....'.

Caveat

However, there is a caveat to being a critic. According to Mr Hales, you need to 'contribute actively to the welfare of the waterways and the communities that use them before criticising'.

Perhaps, you have to sign up as a 'friend' before you can pass comment on 'potty poetry'. Maybe you have to volunteer as a lock keeper before mentioning that next year CaRT needs to spend over £130millions on its waterways but will only spend £77.5 million.

It seems that being a licence fee paying customer is simply not enough any more!

So Sad

Having called those that criticise the trust 'sad' but then stated that he welcomes 'constructive criticism', the trusts chairman then goes on to label critics 'sad' again.

According to Mr Hales, you are 'sad' if you criticise volunteers or 'Friends of CaRT'. You are sad if you criticise creative ideas (does that mean 'potty poetry'?). You are also sad if you publish what Tony Hales calls the trusts 'small mistakes'.

Perhaps if Tony Hales can make up his mind if Waterways World readers are 'sad', 'sad, sad, sad' or even 'not sad' he will write again thus displacing more critics letters.

....or perhaps he is just grumpy at the moment seeing his chief executive jumping ship before him.

Lack of support

It would appear that Mr Hales is attempting to blame Waterways World critics for his own failings, and in particular, the trust's relative lack of support. He would do better, perhaps, to read a letter that follows his own. George Richardson gives him five very good reasons why our waterways, as a trust, will not enjoy wide public support—Cancer Research, NSPCC, RSPCA, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Perhaps Mr Hales would like to hold Mr Evans' hand so they can jump ship together.

After all, he did say he would leave next month!