Famous boaters against new marina

THE campaign against the building of a 500 berths marina at Onley on the Oxford Canal is backed by the husband and wife television stars Prunella Scales and Timothy West.

Both have agreed to attend the planned site demonstration on Sunday 7th October, to voice their objections, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Horrible and undesirable

Timothy West pointed out:

"The proposed marina sounds horrible and undesirable and I am happy to come and assist with the campaign."

Both actors are boaters, their boat berthed on the Kennet & Avon Canal, and both have other connections with the waterways, Timothy West presenting the Water World television programme and Prunella Scales a former President of the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England, and opening the Inland Waterways Association 'National'.

Congestion and water shortage

Boaters are worried about the increased congestion on the Oxford Canal, already well served by hire fleets and marinas, as well as lack of water, that caused the waterway to be closed due to lack of supply.

The plans have upset many boaters who claim the marina proposal will exacerbate already existing problems with water levels and congestion on the network and would also destroy the countryside at Onley.

Narrowboat rally

The demonstration comprise of a rally of narrowboats passing the site, with the boaters then joining the demonstration that will start at 3pm.

The marina however has the support from residents at Onley Park in addition to Barby and Onley Parish Council.  The ultimate decision will rest with Daventry District Council, though no date as been set.