A TAC rep attended an annual open PLA meeting yesterday.
Subjects discussed included the proposed 'thames tunnel'.
Its spoil disposal using barges and the subsequent inconvenience to rowers and those that rely on wind power with proposed piers/jetties. The number of extra vessels on the river. The shortage of trained individuals to operate the vessels, and the shortage of suitable craft in the UK.
It was stated by the PLA chief harbour master, david snelson, that it takes 2 years to become proficient on the thames.
The forthcoming Olympics and expected influx of visitors with boats, mean mooring spaces if not booked well in advance, will be as likely as finding a salmon.
The Residential Mooring Fees Study Steering Group, is close to its final phase.
Tree management was carried out with navigational safety, integrity of revetment [wall], and safety of towpath users, its prime concerns.
Olivers Ait was highlighted as needing tree management and revetment [wall] attention.
Conditions for new moorings always include visitor moorings.
Richmond Lock/weir is paid for by the PLA, it costs £500,000 a year.
A new free to join, online boating club is being launched. Called the Tidal Thames Navigators Club, it can be found on the website, boatingonthethames.co.uk
One rower complained that vegetation obscured his instructors vision from the bank. Someone responded about the megaphones that rowing instructors use, the rower replied that it was centred towards the middle of the river, to which someone commented that it rebounds from the opposite bank.
Surprisingly compared to River User Groups upstream, 30 minutes was not wasted discussing which side of the river everyone should be on.
Maybe a lack of canoeists is to blame.
Illegally moored boats were not discussed either.
The London Wildlife Trust manages Isleworth Ait.
Aint that where Thames Water kill our fish ?.
At no point was flora or fauna discussed.
There were no concerns about water quality raised.
Finally they welcomed all thoughts, concerns and ideas from river users, and asked these be communicated electronically.
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