A week of launches on the waterways

In a week of unprecedented national flooding, what timing it is to publicly announce two major waterways strategy plans.  But how appropriate that they are being called 'launches'. 

Dewsbury Waterways Destination Delivery Plan:

Tomorrow (Monday 22nd Nov) at noon, the canalside The Leggers Inn in Dewsbury is the rendezvous to  launch the latest development plan for the Aire & Calder Navigation.

(I think it's part of Kirklees Council's Dewsbury Neighbourhoods development scheme, but I'm not sure.  However, another of my precepts is never trust anything bureaucratic that has the word 'delivery' in the name.  'Delivery' is an unnecessary word signifying  a swollen budget.)

The launch party will 'take to the water' on one of the community boats of the Safe Anchor Trust ( the very ones who hosted the pensioner last week when he had his unexpected bath after his mobility scooter ran amok). 

I guess they'll cruise the Aire & Calder in its urban guise while the various nobs and bigwigs will try to show the local press that the area has 'capabilities'.  And I'm sure they'll be extra-careful about people who arrive on mobility scooters!  

As I write (Sunday afternoon), because of flooding it is touch & go as to whether the boating part will go ahead. 

What a shame - they might have to do the whole launch in The Leggers Inn instead.  I'm sure a few of them are crossing their fingers about this! 

Meanwhile...

Unlocking the benefits of Leicestershire’s waterways:

In Leicester on Tuesday morning Leicester County Council is launching its vision for the Grand Union Canal and River Soar in the city's environs.  This will be in the luxurious and Banks Lounge of Leicester FC's Walkers Stadium, and there'll be no cruise, so no worries about it being called off.

It's a plan to include:

Creating new visitor centres; waterside restaurants; trip boats; marinas; upgrading towpaths for walkers and cyclists; and improving signage and access points'

(it says here).   I think this is a development on the original River Soar Strategy website, set up with fanfare last year but which seems to have been forgotten.  

See also Granny Buttons: River Soar Strategy consultation offline (Dec 14th 2008).

[Incidentally, am I alone in thinking that Walkers is a somewhat inappropriate name for a sports stadium?] 

Comments

[Maffi]

Am I maybe wrong in thinking that the council will stump up all the money or are they expecting BW to cough up

[Mukiwa]

It's a pity that there is no mention of improvements to navigation or facilities for boaters