Barge plans ‘could be sunk by charity’
Operator fears for future in battle with canal trust
TRANSPORT: One of the country’s oldest barge operators has warned he could be driven out of business if a charity continues to block a plan to carry freight to a wharf in Leeds.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) says the Aire and Calder Navigation from Goole Docks to Leeds presents “fantastic opportunities”.
ONE OF the country’s oldest barge operators has warned he could be driven out of business if a charity continues to block a plan to carry freight to a wharf in Leeds.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) has claimed the Aire and Calder Navigation from Goole Docks to Leeds presents “fantastic opportunities for cutting the costs and environmental impact of transporting goods”.
However, efforts by Andy Collins of AC Marine Aggregates, who wants to deliver thousands of tonnes of sand from Hull to Knostrop Wharf in Leeds, have so far been frustrated.
Barge operator John Branford, from Goole, is lined up ready to go. Each barge would replace 17 HGV movements into Leeds and would provide sustainable transport to reduce emissions.
However, the trust claims there are issues including “traffic management and safety”. In 2012, it objected to the freight terminal at Knostrop getting protected, but was overruled by a planning inspector, according to reports at the time.
The trust’s plans are focused on the new “inland port” at Stourton Wharf, which needs £3.17m from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and will not open until 2021.
At least five generations of Branfords have worked on the waterways. Mr Branford, 75, who started work at 15, now operates three ex-tanker dry cargo barges, the latest two revamped with a government grant of £350,000, which can take 500 tonnes each.
He wants to hand on the business, which is at least 200 years old, to his son, who has a captain’s licence. Mr Branford said he was told in November that using Knostrop was a “no no” and not to bother buying a crane and grab.
He added: “We went to Knostrop and talked to other people there, who were happy for us to get on with it. But when I spoke to the trust, I was told it’s a no no. I think it is ridiculous.
“Everyone is on about the planet, and this deals with congestion, potholes, gridlock and fumes. The tide pushes me to Goole and the ebb will bring me back to Hull, with the engine at half speed.
“There’s been no movement on that canal for six years. It is scandalous – the trust are supposed to be promoting canals and I just feel they are killing us off.”
Mr Collins added: “Financially and commercially, it is better for me not to do this. I could just send my lorries down the M62 to Leeds.
“But when you look at what we know about climate change, this is a project which should and needs to be done.”
Leeds Council said it was not aware of any outstanding highways concerns for the AC Aggregates plans, and added: “The council is fully supportive of any projects and developments which will help the city to address the climate emergency and reduce emissions.”
In a statement, Sean McGinley, the CRT’s director for Yorkshire and the North-East, said the trust was “committed to improving freight access on the canal” and the new inland port would take 200,000 tonnes of freight off the region’s roads.
He confirmed the trust had an approach about using Knostrop Wharf, but said it was already used “intensively” by HGVs and other goods vehicles, and any extra use “raises concerns” about traffic management and safety.
He said a more detailed safety assessment of the site is under review.
There’s been no movement on that canal for six years. It is scandalous. Barge operator John Branford.