Meeting the challenges of the second lockdown

LEISURE boating has again been brought to a virtual standstill by a national lockdown imposed by the Government in a bid to tackle the second wave of coronavirus cases.

Canal & River Trust chief executive Richard Parry told an online press briefing that there was some similarity to the situation back in April and May and the trust was again encouraging boaters to make only essential movements and to stay away from their boats if they are not their main residence.

Some of the commercial boats are unable to operate but the towpaths remain open. “There has not been a lot of drama on this occasion, people are resigned to reverting back to the situation as before but there is not such clement weather as there was then.”

Head of customer support services Jon Horsfall said: “The day trip boats have been particularly impacted. We have done our best to keep right up to speed with Government guidelines. But at this time of year there is not as much movement and not as many people want to get out and about.”

National boating manager Matthew Symonds added: “The use of unpowered craft for exercise is permitted this time and people are travelling longer distances to do this.”

Richard Parry continued: “The news about vaccines gives us some hope for events in the summer next year. But we will have to see how that turns out.”

On the subject of winter works, he said: “We are carrying on with our repair works and maintenance all year round. We have developed Covidsecure ways of working and have been able to continue with these measures in place.”

Projects such as the next phase of work at the Crofton Pumping Station on the Kennet & Avon Canal had been postponed but more conventional bridge and lock repairs are going ahead. However the first phase had addressed quite a few of the water supply problems.