Archive for March, 2020

Covid-19: CRT closes Caen Hill flight until further notice

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

CRT yesterday (24th March 2020) made the decision to close the Caen Hill flight between locks 29 and 44 until further notice as part of its response to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, to protect its staff and ensure they are only sent to deal with the most critical tasks. The last boats were admitted at 10am yesterday.

The K&A is also closed at lock 52 at Wootton Rivers due to a broken gate, until further notice.

On Monday CRT suspended the 14-day rule until 14th April 2020 and boat sightings are not being taken during this period. This will be reviewed in mid-April.

CRT is also telling the public that if they use the towpath for their daily exercise or journey to undertake essential work, to avoid any stretches with boats moored against the towpath, and strictly observe social distancing at all times, following the latest advice from Government.

See https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

See also http://kanda.boatingcommunity.org.uk/crt-suspends-14-day-limit-until-mid-april-due-to-uk-coronavirus-lock-down/

Covid-19 community support for K&A liveaboards is now in action

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

Here is a message from Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service who are co-ordinating support to the liveaboard community between Hanham and Wootton Rivers during the coronavirus crisis. Alice Young says:

“Here is a map showing where your Community Coordinators will be coordinating practical support to boaters and their phone numbers. Check where you’re moored and note the relevant name and number.

Read more…

CRT suspends 14-day limit until mid-April due to UK coronavirus lock down

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

As a result of the Government lock down announced yesterday 23rd March 2020, Canal & River Trust has issued the following statement:

Read more…

Coronavirus support on the K&A is up and running but more volunteers are needed

Sunday, March 22nd, 2020

Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service is setting up a community help plan for liveaboards affected by Covid-19 (coronavirus) between Hanham and Wootton Rivers. They will also make any ideas and resources available so boaters further afield can replicate them. They are looking for willing, healthy community members who can self-organise to support people’s basic needs and give practical help where needed. At the moment they particularly need more volunteers in the Long Pound between Coate Bridge and Wootton Rivers.

Read more…

Liveaboard boaters invited to comment on Seend Parish Plan by March 28th

Friday, March 20th, 2020

Seend Parish Council has invited the liveaboard boating community to comment on its draft neighbourhood plan. The Plan includes a section on the Kennet and Avon Canal (Policy SP7, Section 5.2, page 36). The deadline for comments is 28th March 2020.

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Coronavirus: CRT has no plans to restrict boat movements but self-isolating boaters can overstay

Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

CRT confirmed last week that it has no plans to restrict boat movements due to the Covid-19 pandemic but that it will update its advice as and when necessary. A CRT staff member said that the waterways were a relatively low-risk environment as there were very few large gatherings. However, if boaters need to self-isolate and stay longer than 14 days in any one place, CRT confirmed that this would be reasonable in the circumstances.

Friends, Families and Travellers has produced guidance for boaters and other travelling communities on Covid-19, see https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/advice-section/guidance-for-gypsy-traveller-and-liveaboard-boater-communities-on-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR1andeBO2v8OPNgEVpiD5D8If1TgoMP9vO7sIvB8NwRoGu6J1dCd_HUXjU

Julian House Gypsy, Traveller, Boater and Roma Community Support Service is working on an action plan within BaNES and Wiltshire to ensure that everyone on the canal is safe and cared for. You can contact them if you are self-isolating or are concerned about anyone else. Phone or text Alice on 07960 097719 or Emily on 07946 200271 or contact via
https://www.facebook.com/GRTBSupport

Although aimed at the settled community, Wiltshire Council has produced a useful Community Pack about Coronavirus which has some ideas for mutual help within the community that can be adapted to suit boaters. See http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/articles/covid19-community-pack

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Please respond to Wiltshire Gypsy and Traveller strategy consultation survey by 12th March

Wednesday, March 4th, 2020

Wiltshire Council is consulting on its future Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater (GRT&B) strategy. Please make sure that the voices and views of the liveaboard boater community are heard by completing this online survey by 5pm next Thursday 12th March 2020. The survey is here https://surveys.wiltshire.gov.uk/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=158134588690

The survey asks for your comments on the Council’s draft 2020-25 strategy for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater communities in its area. You can download the 14-page draft strategy here Draft-gypsy-roma-traveller-and-boater-strategy-2020-2025-for-wiltshire

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