Time for direct action

KEVIN McNIFF is right. Direct action is not a traditional part of English culture—perhaps it’s time for a bit more, writes John Bamford.

Remember the blockade of the Bridgewater in August 2004 when the Peel Holdings was threatening the livelihood of Brian, Margaret and Nigel at Thorn Marine, and the demolition of an historic canalside building?

Canal effectively blocked

70 plus boats attended and a number of others too; the canal was effectively blocked.

13 years on, Thorn Marine still trades, and long may it do so.

[The photograph shows some of the boats taking part in the blockade that lasted for days until Peel Holdings backed down from its intention of demolishing the building.]