Friday 22 April 2011

Boating in London during summer 2012


British Waterways, who are responsible for the Grand Union Canal splitting De Beauvoir ward, have begun consultation on how the use of the canals will be managed during the Olympic Games.

Last summer they carried out a survey which showed that significant numbers of boaters may want to bring their boats to London during summer 2012 to enjoy the Games. 

In order to manage this they are presently drawing up proposals that will look to manage this. In doing so they say they are looking to balance the needs of the London-based users and businesses with those boaters from outside the capital who will be looking to take this opportunity to travel to London and enjoy this one off event.

They have assured us that no-one with an existing home mooring in central London will need book a berth - these moorings will continue as normal. However they do envisage the need for some exceptional restrictions and will shortly be advertising visitor moorings on a pre-bookable, paid-for basis. For boaters wishing to continuously cruise through London they say this will give plenty of notice to help plan journeys in 2012, or indeed, book a berth.

If you have any comments or queries about this you can get in touch at – olympicmooringsfeedback@britishwaterways.co.uk, or to British Waterways Olympic Moorings, 1 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London, W2 6TT.

For further updates and details on what is being proposed visit: www.waterscape.com/londonboats2012

And for those who like to enjoy De Beauvoir's canals, don't forget that the Towpath Cafe, found just off Whitmore Road, has now re-opened for the summer!

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