narrowboatworld

OH DEAR, so much controversy in relation to the proposed takeover of the Canal & River Trust and yet more of the family silver already going to raise funds.

In this instance however I can't fault British Waterways. With Wood Wharf such a previously prime piece of real estate perhaps best to take what can be salvaged and run—although not I hope to find any further loss making venture!

Less exciting

For this week however I want to write about tool hire that although perhaps a little less exciting than the controversy concerning the Trust could also prove very expensive. I've recently been informed of a ‘shed load' of previously hired tools seen to be languishing in one of British Waterway's depots.

With thoughts therefore of the possible logistical nightmare of providing the right tools at the right time, to the right place, and in then equally ensuring their timely return, I put my genuine concerns with regard to the efficacy of tool hire to British Waterways.

Bless, British Waterways appears to have taken those genuine concerns I expressed as a challenge to its competence to manage the entire tool hire scheme! However, with tool hire overall such a new venture for the authority it would on this occasion have been a little ‘premature' for me to challenge its competence to manage this scheme although perhaps best to point out that any future ‘shed load' of tools would represent a ‘shed load' of money that can ill afford to be wasted!

Best cash for navigation isn't depleted?

Availability

Regardless, I am concerned with regard to the availability of tools for all, as and when required, and I think those concerns need to be aired. If what we read is to be believed all available funding is to be used by the ‘proposed possibly soon to be Trust' to cover a lot more than the needs of boaters.

Best then any cash left over for navigation isn't further depleted by any future problems that may arise as a result of British Waterways' decision to outsource its tool hire. Whilst I appreciate there should be no problem (note the terminology) in British Waterways hiring tools for its permanent staff, I do however foresee some possible problems in hiring tools for other groups.

Beginning therefore with the hire of tools for British Waterways permanent staff, the upside is that tools will be available as and when required, will be fit for purpose, always meet Health & Safety standards, and eliminate the necessity for maintenance by the authority. Whilst on the face of it this appears to be a win win situation for British Waterways' this is of course subject not only to the correct tools being ordered, but also more importantly to the timely collection and delivery to/from the location at which the tools are required.

Excellent communication and administration skills will be required if hire times are not to be exceeded. Ordering will also need to be accurate with experienced consideration given to the necessary period of hire. A tool required only for a couple of hours would soon prove significantly more expensive than an ‘in house' tool if it were to be hired for a week!