Saving CaRT's reputation

THE Canal & River Trust as an organisation, comes in for its fair share of criticism, and rightly so in my book. Whether it's its constantly shifting goal posts vis its terms and conditions, the visibly deteriorating state of the canal system or its over-paid and under-achieving office boys, there isn't much love for CaRT, writes Gareth Haines.

There is one sector of the organisation who, in my experience, is performing its duties admirably and in the process is very publicly saving CaRT's reputation—the full time bank staff.

Never a bad experience

Whether they be lock keepers, bridge operators, maintenance workers or enforcement officers (yes, really), I have never had a bad experience with any of them. To a (wo)man, they have been friendly, approachable, helpful and when the situation has required, gone out of their way to assist.

Particular mention goes to Mike, the Worcester lock keeper, who seems to be ever-present on the canal in the city. His affable mien is a welcome sight on the towpath.

Less than impressed

It should be said that a great number of these folks, Mike excluded in this case, are fairly candid when you get them talking about CaRT. A lot of them are themselves less than impressed with the bean counters and 'men in suits' who've never even walked the towpath, let alone set foot on a boat. Tellingly, a good number of these folks have been with the company long enough to remember the good old days of British Waterways, which they reminisce about with a great deal of fondness.

My personal thanks goes out to all CaRT's 'boots on the ground' (or at least the ones I've met to date!), may you carry on regardless, single-handedly dragging CaRT's reputation up by it's Oxford brogues!