Towpath mowing policy does not go far enough

WITH reference to Towpath mowing will benefit boaters (Talkback, Issue 193, November), I feel this was somewhat misleading?

The North West AWCC (Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs) has been pressurising the Canal & River Trust for many years over its lack of consistency and poor vegetation control across the network. Not only has the towpath been inaccessible in many places, but growth on bends and around bridges has posed a navigation hazard.

CRT’s latest response does go some way towards addressing the situation, but is not enough. This is because the policy does not cover the whole towpath, only those sections conveniently accessible and ‘considered’ suitable for the full treatment and does not address the issue of stepping off into the jungle or potholed copings along the edge (which is where boaters alight).

One of the things the Bridgewater Canal has been congratulated on is its towpath control, copings clearly visible, grass cut to the edge and no saplings, hogweed or other growth to interfere with alighting crew.

CRT cannot please everybody and certainly cannot do it all the time, but I believe there is plenty of habitat in the hedgerows and cover provided by offside vegetation to look after any endangered species, so as to warrant more care for the alighting boater, after all it should be a health and safety issue.

Anyone who thinks the contrary should take a trip along the upper reaches of the Trent & Mersey, where ramblers on the towpath find it difficult to know they are walking alongside a canal!