Rally at risk through water shortage

THE water shortage on the Grand Union Canal is leaving the Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally at risk.

It attracts a very large number of historic boats, many deep draughted, and it is feared with the shortage of water and the proposed Red, Amber, Green system being brought in by British Waterways, boat owners will not risk venturing to the event.

Closed

It is scheduled for the weekend of 23rd and 24th June, but if there is no significant rainfall, it is believed that most of the waterways around the event will be closed, especially as already the lock operation is strictly controlled.

However, the organisers are to have meetings with British Waterways personnel to attempt to find a solution, but nothing concrete can be decided, as it all depends on the situation at the time.

Drastically reduced

It is understood that though 100 boats normally attend, this figure will have to be drastically reduced or the whole event cancelled.

Like many others, Braunston Marina's Tim Coghlan, cannot understand why the marina may have to cancel its rally through shortage of water, whilst British Waterways are supporting the application for a 600 berth marina at Onley, stating there's no problems with water levels.