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Friday 22 August 2014

Updates - August 2014 (2)

Narrowboat on the Trent
 
Page 38  Aegre Timetable.  The annual timetable for the aegre (tidal bore) on the River Trent is not now available on the public-access website www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Richlow raised this problem with the EA, and asked that the information be, once again, available via their public-access website. And that the search terms be expanded to include eg Trent tidal bore, etc, instead of expecting the public to know yet another spelling of the name of this event.
 
EA replied that they no longer display the information because it is not the navigation authority for the Trent, and, therefore, will not be doing so in the future.
 
However, the same aegre timetable, same data, same format, is available on www.owston-ferry.co.uk   It's the first item on the drop-down menu under the Local Information tab.
 
We have also found that the timetable can still be obtained by telephoning EA on 08708 506506 or via enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk  You will need to ask them to search their in-house system for "aegir" (the spelling the EA uses).  They will then email, or post, the timetable to you.  It's not clear how long this facility will remain.
 

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Updates - August 2014

 
North Yorkshire Waterways
 
Page 38 and Maps 11, 13.  Pocklington Canal - Hagg Bridge.  The difficult to access water-point at Hagg Bridge has been removed by CRT.  Water is available at the head of navigation at Melbourne.
 
Page 42 and Map 13.  River Derwent - Sutton (Elvington) Lock.  Navigation through this lock is not possible at the moment.  It is the subject of an IWA campaign owing to the confused legal situation regarding what is now usually referred to as Elvington Lock.  There is no Navigation Authority for the river.  The Environment Agency is responsible for the top guillotine gate and took it out of use in February to undertake a structural assessment.  Work has since stalled.
 
Furthermore, the bottom wooden mitre gates will soon need to be replaced.  However, a court case in the 1980s failed to clearly state the ownership of these gates, nor who is responsible for maintenance or repairs.
 
The IWA is keen to provide funding and practical help to resolve the situation and restore full long-term navigation.
 
Meanwhile, the lower reaches of the Derwent are still open to navigation as the access waterway to the Pocklington Canal.  The barrage-keeper at Barmby will know the latest situation (p50).