More London mooring changes

THE Canal & River Trust is making more changes to four visitor mooring sites in central London, it states to help make sure the limited space is shared fairly between visiting boats and those who make the capital their home.

The plan, which will come into force in August, with the Trust examining four sites that are popular with visitors and locals, and can get busy: Victoria Park, Broadway Market, Little Venice and Kensal Green.

Victoria Park

In Victoria Park, half the moorings at the site will remain at 14 days while half will change to seven days, following feedback from boaters who felt reducing the whole length to seven days was not necessary in the area. With excellent tube connections at Mile End, the seven day stretch will benefit visiting boats who want a base to explore London.

Broadway Market

In Broadway Market the Trust will create a new seven days mooring site of approximately three berths. The area has become a popular tourist destination, with a thriving bar and restaurant scene as well as the Saturday market, and is within easy reach of Shoreditch and the City.

Little Venice

In Little Venice the eastern half of the visitor moorings (those closest to the Trust's Little Venice office) will be seven days while the western half will be 14 days. Little Venice is a popular spot and a fantastic gateway to central London.

Kensal Green

The Trust had also proposed reducing the stay times of two visitor mooring berths at Kensal Green, but the view from the Better Relationship Group and boaters was that the site wasn't enough of a visitor hotspot to justify the changes. Following this advice, the whole stretch will remain a 14 days visitor mooring.

The Trust will be updating the signs at all the sites, including details of the stay times, a clear description of the location and the post-code and grid reference in case of emergencies. It is also investigating the options for rolling out the Volunteer Caretaker Boater scheme and providing a reserved berth at each visitor mooring to help manage the sites and provide information and advice to boaters.