Agenda item
BASINGSTOKE CANAL JOINT MANAGEMENT REPORT
- Meeting of Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee, Thursday, 30 June 2016 10.05 am (Item 7/16)
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Purpose of the report: The Basingstoke Canal Authority report detailing works and events relating to the Canal 2016/17
Minutes:
Officers:
James Taylor, Strategic Manager
Basingstoke Canal
Fiona Shipp, Canal Manager
Key Points of Discussion:
1.
Officers outlined the work undertaken by the BCA in
the year 2015/16. It was noted that some issues had occurred
throughout the year regarding lock maintenance. The specific issue
of Storm Katie was raised as having caused damage to some trees
under BCA management.
2.
Officers noted that a tree survey had been
undertaken two years ago and that the initial backlog of tree works
had been rectified. This was a result of the rapid improvement of
project and capital funding, however it was noted that this would
be funded by BCA revenue funding in future. This was expected to be
within the budgeted amount as the number of trees requiring
attention is expected to fall with each 3 year inspection
cycle.
3.
It was questioned by the Committee as to what was
done with dead wood as a result of storms or other natural events
and whether the selling of wood could be an income generator for
the BCA. Officers responded that it was difficult and costly to
move to sell wood on a large scale, due to logistical difficulties
with the Canal’s geography. It was, however, noted that the
best examples of felled timber were used by BCA to make items for
the canal. It was also noted that the BCA shared any timber that
can be cost effectively obtained in partnership with Blackwater Valley and some of this was sold as
fuel.
4.
It was noted that most dead wood was left in its
environment for ecological reasons.
5.
It was queried by the Committee as to the risks
involved to the canal as a result of falling trees. It was
confirmed by officers that the highest risk trees had been removed
following the tree survey first, to minimise risk. It was noted
that there was also an emergency plan in place to combat any issues
arising from this, which had recently been reissued. It was added
that the BCA works closely with partners to go through any concerns
regarding these high risk issues.
6.
It was noted by officers that water management was
being continually observed to reduce any risk. This was undertaken
by the BCA’s Rangers. It was also noted that a new telemetry
measuring system was being currently installed on the canal to
monitor water height, ensuring ease of monitoring and proactive
management of water levels to minimise any risk of
flooding.
7.
It was noted by officers that the BCA had
experienced some burglary and misuse of canal property issues, but
that policies were in place currently to resolve these. The use of
the new patrol boat was particularly noted as successful in
reducing incidents of misuse.
8.
Officers praised the work of volunteers as a
positive contribution to the canal. Members asked that their thanks
be passed onto the volunteer teams. It was noted that there has
been an increase in the number of volunteers in the last two years.
It was also noted that the contribution of volunteers to the canal
had served to provide a significant positive cost benefit for the
BCA.
9.
It was noted that there was a project underway
between the BCA and the Basingstoke Canal Society to produce a new
volunteer leaflet to encourage new volunteers. It was suggested
that work on this project would be completed before the next
meeting of the Committee.
10.
A question was put forward by the Committee
regarding the viability and progress of revising Gate and Garden
Licences for adjoining properties on the canal. It was suggested
for gate licences that the returns on the implementation of such a
policy would not be significant enough to successfully implement
the policy. Officers noted however that garden licences were a
different matter, and that these were required where a householder
was occupying part of the Canal’s land as part of their
garden.
11.
It was noted by officers that the BCA was preparing
an operational plan to present to the Committee at its next
meeting.
12.
Officers explained that, following discussion with
the organisers of the Farnborough Air Show (FAS), that temporary
suspensions would be placed this year on the canal as a result of
low-flying aircraft displays. It was noted that the FAS will
provide staff to police the temporary suspension of use.
13. Officers elucidated that a channel depth survey was being procured with an expected start date of July 2016; this would lead to future dredging programme to an agreed canal profile.
14.
Regarding Dogmersfield
landslip, it was expected that Hampshire County Council engineers
would begin work in October 2016. It was asked by the Committee
whether there would be disruption to canal traffic. Officers
responded that the navigation and towpath would be closed during
works, but that the canal would remain watered during this time. It
was noted that during replacement of the Barley Mow Culvert the
Canal would be locally dammed and drained, but that this would be
undertaken either at the beginning or end of the works timetable to
reduce disruption.
15.
The Committee requested any fences at Dogmersfield would be substantial enough to
minimise risk of members of the public entering the worksite.
Officers confirmed that work would be done by the contractors to
ensure that this was addressed correctly.
16.
The Committee notes and approves the hard work
undertaken by volunteers on the canal.
Recommendations:
a.
That officers present the Operational Plan of the
BCA to the next meeting of the Committee.
b. That the Committee noted and approved the support given by the Basingstoke Canal Authority to volunteers.
Supporting documents: