Resident boaters are complaining about trees being cut down

RESIDENT BOATERS on the Oxford Canal are complaining that trees overhanging the waterway have been cut down.

This is along the Oxford City pound, at Hythe Bridge, Janet Friend reports.

Like ovens

A boater telling the Oxford Mail of their concerns as the boats are like ovens' after trees were cut down.

Another, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the act as 'vandalism' and has concerns about the impact on boaters, particularly in the summer, stating:

"Many trees were giving important shade to the boats, which can be like ovens in summer sun." 

Yet boaters often write in narrowboatworld of overhanging trees restricting the sight of vision, that is of course important.

Helps improve navigation

Canal & River Trust told that clearing vegetation from canal banks is a high priority for the trust as it helps improve navigation for boaters, as well as benefitting towpath walkers, runners and cyclists. Removing them also protects the canal bank, adding:

"We’re also making sure they don’t block the towpath or navigation, and that lines of sight for boaters, pedestrians and cyclists are maintained.”

The trust warns that waterways across the country need 'constant' upkeep and investment, without this, they face decline and closure, and we risk losing the incredible benefits they bring.