Who is behind sell-off?

IT WOULD be interesting to know who is behind this sell-off of British Waterways equipment, writes Mike Stone.

* The details were released on 14th November

* Viewing is limited too 14th & 15th

* Sale closes at 1pm on 16th.

Unlikely to gain

So who is the main beneficiary? Not British Waterways who are, in such a short window, unlikely to gain maximum financial return. Is there a ‘behind the scenes' deal with somebody who gets most of it at a knock-down price?

Looking towards the future what equipment will any Canal & River Trust volunteers have access to? Will they have to hire/purchase new?

Volunteers to use?

Within the 1,000 lots there will be some scrap but I would be surprised if a full set—concrete mixer, pole-saws, pumps and wood-working tools—couldn't be made up for each waterway area for future volunteers to use.

If all items are seen as unserviceable it is a very sad commentary on British Waterways' ability to manage and maintain its equipment.

And then, as a parting shot, why were some items not donated to appropriate bodies e.g. IWA, WRG, canal societies?