Les Hunt wrote: > I've been looking at some of the press coverage of the various > blockade events over last weekend, and there is something nagging at > my brain... > > Many articles refer to the impact on boat owners, boaters, canals, or > somesuch, but miss the point that it's ALL waterway users that are > potentially affected by the DEFRA cuts. > > I therefore have to ask whether we are getting the full and proper > message across? As a result of the press coverage many people do > believe it will only affect those strange old beardies on their boats > who dawdle up and down the canals. > > BUT the reality, of course, is that it could affect everyone - > cyclists, walkers, anglers, canoeists, dog walkers, etc etc, on any > waterway in the country. > > Now I know that some boaters are not best friends with some of the > above categories, but if we're to win this fight we need the support > of everyone, and somehow we have to change public, and press, > perception and get anyone and everyone on our side. > > I don't know how we change this, but is it just me that thinks we're > missing a trick here? > > Les Hunt
Sorry to steal somebodies thunder...but today someone mentiond that a lot of FARMERS had been glad to sign our petition...a REAL united stand against DEFRA! Waterside pubcos would be wise to support our stand and allow SOW posters and petition forms in their pub lobbies. I have heard that a few of these places have been anti and need educating. If people are put off visiting their establishments by a cruddy drained canal outside due to unforseen repair works that cannot be financed, then nobody will want to visit these establishments. Lets face it, the more we can do to make DEFRA crumble, then the more likely we will get a favourable outcome. -- Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest Follow the truly independent TNC at : http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk Visit this site and help save our waterways from the DEFRA cuts http://www.saveourwaterways.org.uk/
