The Environment Agency has this evening (17th September 2020) issued more information about the help available for boaters affected by the sinkings and strandings due to the sluice gate failure at Twerton in Bath. This includes details about what will be done to raise and inspect boats. Please see below.
Help is available for the boaters affected by the sinkings and strandings on the River Avon in Bath on 15th September 2020, caused by the failure of the Environment Agency’s (EA) sluice gate at Twerton. Alice and Carla from Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service will be on site today 17th September to assist anyone who needs support. Contact Alice on 07960 097719 or Carla on 07539 926809. The EA and CRT will also be at Weston Lock today from 8am. If you have any concerns about water levels or the sluice gate, contact 0800 807060 24 hours a day.
CRT has contracted with River Canal Rescue to raise and free the sunk and stranded boats and they will be on site today to assess damage to each boat. The Police, Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, CRT and BaNES Council have also been on the spot to protect the boats, provide security and provide emergency accommodation (at YMCA Bath) or welfare support for those who need it. If you know anyone who has been affected please share this information with them as they may not have access to their phone, charger or laptop.
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.
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.
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
Wiltshire Council has just started a two-year project to tackle inequalities amongst Boaters, Gypsies and Travellers in Wiltshire. This is a partnership between Julian House and the Wiltshire Traveller Reference Group. Julian House is now recruiting for a Boater Outreach and Engagement Worker to cover Bradford on Avon to Devizes and beyond. If you are interested in applying for this part-time job, see https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/jobs.htm
People from the liveaboard boater community are encouraged to apply. The closing date is 12 noon on 27th January 2020.
There will be a Boat Fire and Stove Safety talk tonight, Tuesday 29th October 2019 at 6.30pm at the Lock Inn, Lower Wharf, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LE. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Floaty Boat Fund will be giving out free fire and CO alarms, rope seals and smoke pellets (for testing stoves). More Boat Fire and Stove Safety talks are planned.