Keeping the waterways alive

I THINK Mick Fitzgibbons (in 'An Epic Conundrum') has flagged up a very good point indeed, writes Suzanne McLeod. There is a golden opportunity for CaRT to involve the younger generation in waterway living by seeking ways to enable relatively inexpensive housing on boats. I've just returned land-side after almost two years living afloat, and at times it seemed to me that the majority of boaters on the cut were of retirement age.

Relatively inexpensive

Many of the younger boaters I encountered were plainly eking out a living in a relatively inexpensive (and enjoyable!) way.

Returning to a house, I am just absorbing the 'hit' of the expense of living on land—and I'm lucky enough to have no mortgage or rent to pay. It's easy to see how young people finding their way forward in life, and wishing quite naturally to have a home of their own, could be attracted to boat living.

It will mean a big change in the 'punitive' stance of CaRT regarding mooring and navigation patterns, and quite possibly new legislation. Here's something we can really do to make a difference for young people—and keep the waterways fully alive.