>> >>> could we please recognise that the enemy is based in Whitehall not >>> Watford. >> >>I am sorry to break ranks here, but I do not agree with this simplistic >>appraisal of the situation. > >This seems as good a post as any to hang a general comment on about 20 >emails in this thread - and to try to pour some oil (red, while we still >have some in our tanks) over these troubled waters. > >You are all right! > >Steve Haywood is right that BW were going to cut 180 jobs anyway and >that this is a bad thing for the waterways. >Adrian is right to suggest that DEFRA policy and pressures probably >helped to make this BW's plans. >Richard is also right in saying this is bad for the waterways. >Will is right that because of DEFRA this has happened more quickly than >would have happened and this is worse for the waterways >Mike is right that compulsory redundancies are worse than natural >wastage and this is bad for the individuals. >Steve Hays is right to say that in the short-term office jobs going will >hurt the waterways least >Dorothy is right to say that office jobs also matter and in the >long-term BW will suffer if it cuts any jobs. > >Which takes us back to what should our "posture" be on BW at the moment. >I think it's the opposite of the US in Vietnam - BW must be saved in >order to destroy it. > >There's a lot wrong with BW, and in particular how its funded. We have >different views on what the outcome should be, but can continue to work >these out through robust debate. > >In the meantime, we ought to support BW - not uncritically and >unhesitatingly - but in principle: because we need a healthy BW in >charge of well maintained waterways as a starting place to change things >from. > >Attacking DEFRA should be tactics, and this includes supporting BW, but >our strategy does not include "BW are great" > >And now I need to go off to push some pens around the office - oh, and >help to organise a demonstration for tomorrow; has anyone got a donkey >jacket I could borrow.. >-- >On-line canal route planner: http://www.canalplan.org.uk
And a wholehearted thank you to referee Nick Atty. Sue nb Nackered Navvy
