Declarations of interest:
None
Officers:
James Taylor, Strategic
Manager, Basingstoke Canal Authority
Fiona Shipp, Canal Manager,
Basingstoke Canal Authority
Key
points raised during the discussion:
- Officers outlined the
work that had been undertaken by the Basingstoke Canal Authority
(BCA) since November 2017. It was particularly noted that the lock
gates scheduled in the cyclical replacement programme had been
undertaken and that there had been a drain down of the St
John’s Lock Flight undertaken for Principle Inspections. It
was also noted that a bat hibernation survey and engineering
inspection of Greywell Tunnel had been completed.
- Officers highlighted
that ten tonnes of Signal crayfish had been removed from the canal
as a means of pest control. It was noted that the Canal had an
agreement with a fisherman who removed the crayfish gratis for the
BCA, but that he kept all profits from selling. It was noted that
the service was potentially reviewing this, but stressed that this
was a pest control measure and not a profit making scheme. It was
noted that levels of damage and reported numbers from crayfish had
decreased significantly.
- Officers highlighted
that there had been a boating accident at lock 18 involving
irreparable damage to one of the lock gates. It was noted that this
had resulted in closure of Deepcut lock flight for approximately
6-8 weeks.
- It was explained,
after concerns were raised by Members, that there have been badger
evictions that had been undertaken humanely and using appropriate
means under the appropriate licences.
- Members raised
concerns regarding cyclists and potential adverse effects of
cyclists on other users of the canal, questioning whether there was
potential for a campaign to slow cyclist speeds and increase
awareness. Officers highlighted that cyclists use the towpath by
permission and that the towpath was not a right of way. Officers
also noted that they had been educating cyclist to slow and share
the towpath under the “Share the Space, Drop your Pace”
slogan for some time, and that there was funding available for
additional signage, but that there had been little evidence of
effect on a proportion of users. Officers noted that destination
signing which had included times had been removed as previously
requested by the Committee. Members suggested that there needed to
be an effort to educate users regarding fair usage and safety.
Members suggested that the Committee receive a further report on
cycling strategies and issues raised from cyclists to a future
meeting of the JMC.
- Officers noted the
positive contribution of volunteers on the canal and that there had
been a contribution of approximately £86,000 worth of
volunteer hours on the Canal. Officers also offered congratulations
to the Basingstoke Canal Society on achieving the Queens Award for
Voluntary Service in 2018.
- It was explained that
there had been a leak near Farnborough in May 2018 which was being
repaired before the Air show.
- It was noted that
there was work being undertaken on the campsite development agreed
at the November 2017 meeting of the JMC, noting that the planning
application was due for submission in the near future. It was noted
that progress had been slower than expected due to the size of the
site and the additional requirements resultant of this.
- Officers provided an
update on the Conservation Steering Group (CSG) and the discussion
held between stakeholders regarding issues in the renewal of this
plan. One of the key issues discussed at CSG was in relation to
powered boating and whether there could be any increase in the
boating limit. It was stressed that Natural England have to agree
this technical document and would be unlikely to suggest an
increase to the powered boat limit due to concerns regarding silt
displacement from boating being contributory to the continued
decline of the status of the Canal as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI).. Officers noted that the final plan agreed by
Natural England would be submitted to the November JMC. Members
noted that it would be helpful to have representation from Natural
England present for discussion over their decisions in relation to
the Conservation Management Plan.
- Members suggested
inclusion of progress of discussions with the Canal and Rivers
Trust in future reports.
- Members noted that
the committee could consider options for clean air alternatives for
boats on the canal and what options were available as part of a
long term project.
- Members suggested
that volunteers and the BCA should note that the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was promoting education
for the environment, and that education about the benefits of the
canal should be promoted. Members noted that District and Borough
authorities could engage with volunteers on this issue.
- Members queried
progress on the online booking system. Officers noted that this
would take time to develop but that it was in progress.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
- That an item be
included on a future agenda of the JMC regarding a cycling policy
on the canal and the issues balance between cyclists and
pedestrians.
- That Natural England
representatives be explicitly invited to the November 2018 meeting
of the JMC to discuss the conservation management plan.
- That future
Management reports include an update on the progress of talks with
the Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT).
Recommendations:
- None