The Evans achievements - Four Square

Four Square

For anyone who wonders why he got away with it for so long, it has to be said that British Waterways have been ruthless in dealing with those that they believe oppose them or even question them. In recent weeks we have had narrowboatworld's Ralph Freeman targeted. We have also had a boater threatened with libel action and the chairman of a boater organisation forced to make a grovelling apology. We even have narrowboatworld's editor stating that this publication is being targeted due to the views expressed here (this despite the many articles from trustees, directors and managers of CaRT that he publishes).

As such, CaRT is simply carrying on in the long British Waterways tradition.

Of course, some give the benefit of the doubt or simply refuse to believe, dismissing it as a load of hot air. Perhaps this Four Square 'case study' may convince.

The case study

Some time back, a lobbying company published a 'case study' on its website. Within 24 hours the web page was removed, but not before a narrowboatworld reader had taken a screenshot.

The 'case study' reads: 'BW approached Four Public Affairs in 2005 when it faced negative publicity from a hostile group of activists, who were opposed to the way the organisation was moving as a public corporation. Their opponents' main accusation was that British Waterways were focusing on commercial ventures at the expense of waterway users. Four's task was to turn the situation around, and ensure that misinformation was countered and that advocates were in place to support BW's cause'.

Activists? Well, one supposes it is slightly less offensive than being called a terrorist.

The solution

Four's 'case study' goes on to explain its solution: 'Four’'s campaign involved developing new political contacts for BW, as well as establishing clear messaging channels including a newsletter, a presence at party conferences, and hosting regular parliamentary events'.

....and the outcome

'BW now has a strong network of political advocates, helping to heighten and sharpen its profile. It is playing a key part in the 2012 Olympics, and is consistently mentioned favourably in Parliament'.

What this 'case study' demonstrates is that just two or three years after taking office some very serious questions were being asked in high places about British Waterways' direction under Robin Evans leadership.

....and British Waterways stamped on it

Failures not achievements

At the start of this rather long article, Robin Evans is quoted as saying 'I am very proud of what we have achieved over the past ten years'. However, what British Waterways was trying to achieve under his leadership is well documented either in annual reports or personal targets he was set. Whilst it is certain he would wish to move the goalposts and be judged on something as nebulous as 'moving to a trust' or 'providing certainty of funding'. However, he can only really be judged on what he set out to do over his ten year tenure. His achievements are failures!

Failure to eliminate maintenance backlog by the end of 2012.
Failure to reduce reliance on government grant.
Failure to increase public benefit.

....and he says he is very proud.