Many verbal complaints
So 'nobody in CaRT received a single complaint during 2011 or 2012 regarding difficulty in finding a mooring'? Asks Kevin McNiff.
That is a broad brush in anyone's world and does not take in any correspondence to CaRT that did not specify the heading 'Complaint'. Were waterways staff on the towpath included, since I have heard many boaters make verbal complaints to them, including me!
Many emails
I have personally sent many emails to South East Region staff over 10 years, mainly concerning the parlous state of mooring at Lower Heyford, one of the original 22 sites up for 'new' treatment, but sadly put on the back burner for now. The area has always been known as a soft touch.
Before the demise of local mooring wardens, the area warden sent in regular sightings of moored boats, with those ignoring the mooring limits being reported on additionally. Nothing was ever done. The local boatyard owner regards the moorings as legitimate places to dump his hire fleet and other boats that are in for work, in or out of season. See attached picture.
Should be enforced
Some say the present regime of 14 days anywhere and limits at designated 'visitor moorings' is enough and should be enforced. I agree. But I also wish that we boaters could be more considerate to each other when mooring space at visitor spots is limited by length—another story!
My experiences at Lower Heyford suggest that there is no particular group of boaters who constantly take the piss and overstay; everyone is willing to take a chance until the Patrol Notice gets clipped to the swan's neck—if ever. My latest correspondences with the mooring manager and enforcement officer for the area were regarding 'winter moorers' who didn't pay a bean.
Some of these boats proudly display membership of NABO and RBOA. No surprises there then that the former organisation is always at the forefront of protesting against change at any cost! After 12 years I have voted with my mooring pins; I have given up my £1,900/year spot to become a continuous cruiser, since I only used it for six months! Pity the poor sod who paid £2,770 for it at auction recently! Winter at Cropredy, bliss!
Not a supporter
I am not a supporter of Jeff Whyatt or Sally Ash. The mere mention of her name in most conversations brings on the 'red mist'—Head of Boating? I don't think so. She has been at the forefront of too many failed initiatives and should fall on her sword. Jeff? Well I did meet with him when vegetation was a major issue, and later, because I penned an article about stupid health & safety near Thrupp, he rang me and swore over the phone! Customer Service? Crap.
Sadly, we are in an age when executives and senior managers are recruited on the back of experience in unrelated business—retail and accountancy spring to mind; empathy, common sense and a 'can do' attitude bears little in the final selection. In many, holding the coveted MBA 'means bugger all'—literally. I once knew a guy with an HND in electronics but could not solder for his life!
Things are going to change around the waterways. They have to. Resistance is futile.