A prime example

AS AN EXAMPLE of CaRT's failure to send out stoppage notices, I would suggest you look no further than lock 20 on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal' writes Jessica Williams.

This lock has been closed for months with no notice having ever been issued on CaRT's stoppages database. Several attempts to find out why it has been closed and when it might be reopened have been stonewalled.

As much in the dark

Indeed, I have come to the conclusion that CaRT staff I have quizzed are as much in the dark as I am.

The photo was taken two months ago when the lock had already been closed for a considerable period of time. Nothing has changed since (unless you count the surrounding trees shedding leaves!).

Do not use

Red and white tape on the approach make it clear that boats should not enter and all four sets of paddle gear are still wrapped in black plastic. Yellow plastic tags on all four sets of paddle gear warn 'DO NOT USE'.

The reverse of these labels contain an apology for 'any inconvenience caused by the malfunction of this structure'.

Rather hollow apology

However, the apology is rather hollow. CaRT fail to provide information on the reverse under the headings:

Fault Reported
Estimated Repair Date
Details

Worse still, whilst this stoppage is in the West Midlands Region, boaters are invited to email London for further information...  You could not make it up!

Not really the point

No doubt CaRT apologists will say transit to and from the Grand Union and Northern Stratford-upon-Avon can still take place via lock 21. However, that is not really the point.

The point is that 'Lock 20' supports Victor's assertion that CaRT has stopped sending out stoppage notices.