Email: Hiring is not the way

I am afraid I cannot agree with David Pullen's email concerning British Waterways getting rid of its tools and hiring them instead, but agree wholeheartedly with Pam Pickett that it is not the way to go.

I visited Newark and saw the tools and equipment that was being got rid of, and I can't imagine anyone being unable to operate any of it.

Even the generators and pumps would have caused little problem for anyone with an ounce of common sense, and in no way complex and specialist has he suggested.

I have been in the building trade for many years and have overseen the use of a variety of tools and equipment, and one company I worked for went the hiring way of British Waterways and paid the penalty of endless delays whilst equipment was waited for, and only too often the specialised equipment he mentioned was already out on loan, so everything stopped.

He really is exaggerating about cost and servicing.  I have seen power tools working week in and week out with no problems, and always being on hand.  Even worse is that British Waterways cannot have a contract with any particular hire shop, its area being country wide, so has to rely on the particular location for its supply and therefore its available stock.  And as Pam says what happens at the week-ends and holidays if equipment is desperately wanted?

Far better to have those tools on hand where they are needed, and thus available at all times.

Graham Boyce