Canal Keeper

Del Brenner of the Regents Network had a few things to say about the BW/TfL planned works that are due to begin in February and March (depending on location) having been deferred from a start this month. He claims that the towpath works are nothing more than a publicity gimmick, and adds that "British Waterways is glad to grab the money. It's more of a money-making scheme than to ensure safety."

I feel that the problem of towpath cycling havent really been examined in sufficient depth, despite the Regents canal Cycle Safety Audit which was released last September. The issue is not one of control but one of cyclists continuing to ignore any measure of safety or slowing down for walkers. I do think that safety needs to be stressed far more strongly and welcome Del's words in which he says "We would welcome safety issues being highlighted in a sensible and sustained way."

Ham & High

The high winds (gales obviously) caused much damage around the country's canal system. The Mon & Brec (or Brecknock and Abergavenny or whatever) suffered high numbers of tree falls as well as a major breach. The Llangollen and Monty suffered tree falls also and so did many other canals, causing people to express the concern that they'd never known so many emergency stoppages in such a short time. And all this in the midst of the campaign against the DEFRA cuts.

London's canals had relatively few problems, the worst affected appears to be Little Venice where a tree fell down and blocked part of the channel as well as damaging the front of a boat. Rubbish was also another thing, canal keeper found a large sheet of metal covering on the towpath by Maida Hill tunnel. It was taken to Little Venice and disposed of on BWL's boat 'Spellbrook.' 

Anyone wonder why Spellbrook? Its the name of one of the furthest away locks on the London Canal network. There's Spellbrook, then Twyford, and South Mill locks before Bishops Stortford. BWL has a new boat called  'Pride of Newark' - now thats interesting why did they not rename it when it was transferred from the Trent Navigation?

It seems Little Venice is getting a new bus route. Well thats not quite true. Its actually an extension of the 46 route. It once ran on to Kensal Rise via the 6/187 routeing but currently terminates at Warwick Avenue. The buses stand over between turns by the Monsoons roundabout in Harrow Road.

New stops have been put up in Warwick Avenue, one adjacent to Rembrandt Gardens. I have tried to find out when, and where the route is being extended to - without any success. Its possible it is being extended to Paddington now that the new Bishop Bridge is open (there was talk sometime back of extending bus services over the new bridge.)

The 46 will be a boon for visitors to Little Venice - the pool cant be missed and visitors looking for a bus stop will find it easily - especially as none of the current bus stops are signposted.

Otters are set to make a return to the Lee Navigation. Because the Lee navigation is "a series of artificial waterways" (the Lea Rivers Trust is spot on here!) a number of otter ramps have been installed at strategic positions to help the otters make their way up the Lee. See East London Advertiser

Those City Road towers are in the news again. The architect, Rab Bennetts, has defended his designs against the likes of Del Brenner and co. Bennetts claims that the towers would be at the far end of the basin alongside City Road "where there are already other tower blocks." He claims that the towers would not have such a big impact inthat location. I beg to differ. I dont suppose Mr Bennett lived in City Road for years (and I dont suppose he ever knew Graham Palmer either when Graham had retired from the WRG and was working at a noted City Road insurance company!) I lived in City Road for years, I know the area well, and I know for a fact that the towers will be great big damn eyesores whether they are viewed from along City Road itself or from the canal. Just imagine the view looking east along City Road from the Angel!

Its the perspective that counts and dear Mr Bennetts, whats more your plans are gong to block the view of noted structures such as the church in Old Street and Tower 42, the Barbican etc. These buildings are suitably far away enough to maintain a perspective. The 'towers' you speak of in the area are those great big UGLY council flats - which should be pulled down - they are a great big eyesore which ever way one looks (thats up and down the City Road, and from the canal). Your plans will only serve to create a confusing and incoherent mass of tower blocks in the area. See Islington Tribune

Up and down the City Road, its about the biggest (not the best) thats the way the money goes. Pop goes Mr Bennetts!

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