CRT is currently attempting to re-brand itself as an organisation promoting well-being. The purpose of the re-branding is to raise funds from local authorities and the NHS for the promotion of health and well-being of the general population. However CRT appears to have no intention of safeguarding the well-being of boat dwellers, even vulnerable ones.
Yesterday (16th August 2017) CRT seized a boat that was a vulnerable person’s home using its powers under Sections 8 and 13 of the British Waterways Acts 1983 and 1971. The boat was craned out at Devizes Wharf at 11am and taken to an unknown location by road. There were 8 bailiffs and enforcement staff present.
UPDATE: It has been reported that the evicted person is now sleeping rough.
Yesterday (16th May 2017) CRT seized a boat from Bishops Cannings and craned it out at the Black Horse in Devizes. The fibreglass cruiser, appeared to be unoccupied when six bailiffs started push-towing it with a dark green dory at around 10am to the Black Horse, where an A. B. Tuckey’s crane and flatbed truck were waiting.
On 14th September CRT seized a boat without a home mooring that was a vulnerable woman’s home while she was asleep inside it. The woman, who suffers from epilepsy, was later rushed to hospital in an ambulance as the stress of the eviction had caused her condition to become critical.
Our roving reporter, R Mutt has sent us this report of a disturbing incident that shows how easy it is for people to fall through the cracks in society if we don’t, as a community, pay careful attention to the needs of everyone.
Off the Cut, Wendy Zakiewicz’s moving documentary about a Kennet and Avon boater’s struggle against being made homeless through the actions of CRT, provides a unique insight into a community of boaters living on the Kennet and Avon canal.
The film follows a family on their pedal powered boat as they embark on a journey in which their way of life, and that of the whole community, comes under threat.
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Canal-man-covers-boat-protests/article-1399419-detail/article.html
An interesting discussion has followed the news story about Ian Gill’s public protest at BW’s removal of his license and attempt to interprete the law.
We are asking long and loud – and we will not desist until we get an answer – what is the problem with the boats that prompts these attempts at ethnic cleansing?
Ian's response to the latest threatening letter from British Waterways
“I float accused of breaking the conditions of my license. The license has been revoked. Now my home, myself are illegally afloat of your waterways.
The guidelines by which canal craft are governed are open to interpretation and it is many people’s concern that the waterways managment can manipulate and control us bargees by their misuse.
I have broken no law.
This is art.
Ian Gill”
