Hunting Ban may effect us now

Waterways news Snippits

• UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A WATERWAY

Quote:

Farmer Richard May of Macclesfield said he and "scores of other landowners" had rivers with weirs on their land.

"Sadly the weirs need repair.

"If every landowner in the country with a weir in the country said no [access] to British Waterways, the canal system would dry up within weeks," he said.

Stewart Sim, technical director of British Waterways, said it had generally very good relations with landowners, with longstanding agreements allowing access to waterways.

But if landowners decided to block access for long periods of time, it could create "considerable difficulties", especially at times of extreme weather conditions.

He added: "We do, however, have statutory powers allowing us to gain access for both emergency works and for inspection, maintenance and repair but we would be reluctant to take such steps unless absolutely necessary."

Well, well.  The pro hunting people are thinking about war with the government   What are we all going to do when the canal system dried up for weeks?  Maybe we should add a bit to the bottom of our boat so she settles level on the side of the canal.

For sure it would be a major problem for us as we continuously cruising the system.  Richard May sounds very angry, and note that he is in Macclesfield, might just be a place to miss next February. :)