As reported here a few weeks ago, Manchester City Council is proposing to construct a safety fence along the side of Canal Street in Manchester, to stop the drunks from falling into the Rochdale Canal. The fence would block access on foot for lock-wheelers to Lock 86.
Because the council did not post notices correctly, the date of the decision on this plan has been put back to July 23rd, and so there is still time to submit a comment up until June 19th. I have put a detailed write-up about the situation here: www.penninewaterways.co.uk/news/canalstreet.htm This includes links to the pages on the council web site where you can see the plans and comment on them. British Waterway is insisting that there is no need for boaters to access the lock on foot. They are now saying that continued use of the steps that have been used for 200 years is not a safe activity for its customers. The planners won't listen to boaters because they are being given what they think is expert advice from BW. How will boaters let down water if the pound below is low? How will someone get off the bow of a traditional working boat in the lock entrance? How will a horse-drawn boat stop if the gates are shut? It needs to be stopped with a rope on the strapping post or a lockside bollard. Yet, as a result of BW's input, the planning committee are being told "the fence will not hinder or interfere with the ability of canal users to navigate the canal". There have been around 50 objections so far and now there is a further 2 weeks to make comments. www.penninewaterways.co.uk/news/canalstreet.htm -- Martin Clark Pennine Waterways Website http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk
