AWCC News

On Tuesday, John Serocold and I attended the National Boating Forum hosted by CRT, with representatives from AWCC, NABO, IWA, NBTA, RBOA the Historic Narrow Boat Club and AWA.

The principal purpose was to re-set the relationship with boaters, starting with a conversation to contribute to CRT's review of its strategy.

David Orr, Chair of CRT Trustees, opened by emphasising that this group is central to shaping the waterways over the next 10 years and that CRT wants a closer working relationship. He noted that the 250‑year‑old network faces significant challenges and is at a turning point where current decisions will define its future.

Key issues include generating sustainable income and maintaining a reliable network, as the boating community alone cannot bridge the funding gap. This will require difficult but constructive discussions and compromise across organisations.

The Whitchurch breach was highlighted as a positive example of collaboration between CRT, the council and boaters, though it will cost millions to repair. Campbell Robb, the relatively new CEO, said he had had a lot to deal with in his first few months, including three 'named' storms and Whitchurch; quietly noted that he had extracted a further £6.5mn from HM Government; and emphasised the importance of being seen as 'critical infrastructure'. He stressed the importance of a clear, unified message, warning that division allows government to disregard the sector.

CRT is open to creative thinking and organisational change and wants government to recognise canals as national infrastructure. Progress is already being made through the Better Boating Plan and the forthcoming “Fix My Street” type system for reporting issues. Sunken and wrecked boats are being dealt with. 

This is an opportunity for boating organisations including AWCC to help shape the future of the network. Constructive ideas should be sent to hazelowen.awcc@outlook.com to be shared with CRT.

Update 16 March 2026, 11:37am

A suitably graded access ramp and turning area have now been completed. This will enable safer and more efficient delivery of materials, removing the need for vehicles to reverse onto the A41 trunk road. With this in place, construction of the compound area and safe machine access to the canal can now progress.

Over the coming weeks, our team will begin removing trench sheets that were damaged during the breach. At the same time, ground investigations will be carried out to assess conditions and determine which materials can be reused as part of the repair. Major excavation work within the breach cannot begin until these investigations are complete, although machinery will be on site to undertake trial pits and provide access for borehole rigs.

Approximately 13 million litres of water have already been pumped from the flooded field into the adjacent foul sewer. A fish rescue is scheduled for this week, after which the remaining water will be fully pumped away. Once this is complete, we will be able to clear and inspect the blocked culvert that passes beneath the canal.

Vegetation clearance along both embankments have also been completed. This has included the felling of one mature oak tree and the trimming of a further five oak trees to create the necessary working area for the embankment reconstruction. Over‑pumping continues, with approximately 34 megalitres of canal water pumped past the breach last week.

Just a friendly reminder that members wishing to use the AWCC reciprocal mooring facilities at other member clubs are required to fly the AWCC Burgee on their boat.

If you don’t already have one, burgees are available from your local club representative.