LEST I be branded as negative here are a few suggestions as to what the Transition Trustees should really be doing, offers Ralph Freeman.

  • Identify structures that need urgent repair

  • Identify structures that need repair but whose condition will not deteriorate rapidly if left for the short term.

  • Make a list of jobs such as dredging, vegetation control etc that need doing on a regular basis.

  • Add resource to the above set of tasks in the form of manpower and materials

  • Formulate a work plan for the next 5 years to clear items 1 and 2

  • Work out the minimum office overhead structure required to support the above workload.

  • Cost the whole exercise.

  • Compare the cost with the Defra grant to see if the Trust is viable.