Trying to reasure boaters

Published: Wednesday, 17 February 2010

BOTH Skipton Town Council and the  Chamber of Trade have stated that the town is not a 'no-go' area for boaters, as many are now refusing to stay after so many attacks.

The two authorities are attempting to reassure boaters who are being targeted by teenage hooligans, as reported in narrowboatworld, with the result that boaters are no longer  mooring in the town.

The statement was issued as a result of one of the main organisers of the town's annual Waterways Festival, (Pictured) Pamela Clarke, reporting that boat owners had told her they were afraid of stopping in Skipton because of continuing attacks  from local youths.

Vandalised

Narrowboats had been vandalised, had articles stolen from them and cast adrift, with word quickly spreading amongst the boating fraternity that Skipton should be avoided.

But Dave Parker, of Skipton Town Council related:

"We are very concerned that the impression is being given that every boat stopping off in Skipton will be subjected to attacks from so-called ‘thugs'."

"There have been a number of isolated incidents and, unfortunately, even a small number of such reports can do serious harm to Skipton's economy.  The problem needs to be dealt with and I am sure our colleagues in the police will have this in hand, and the town council will do everything it can to assist."

Caused problems

However, boaters Sue and Sam Marriott, who have a permanent mooring in the town, have contacted the local newspaper stating that out-of-town revellers arriving by train, as well as local youths, had caused problems for the boating fraternity, reporting:

"We have been cut adrift, had fireworks thrown onto the boat and had youths jumping on and off. We reported these incidents to the police who responded efficiently. However, these ‘purges' only last a limited time.

"Throughout last year we were approached by boaters from Cheshire and the Midlands, many deciding to shun Skipton and cruise through rather than risk their much-loved craft being vandalised.

It is reported that a spokeswoman for British Waterways, explained it was not aware of any serious problems for boaters in Skipton, compared to other known trouble spots.