User Group Meeting Chasewater 30 April 2013 - Canal & River Trust

User Group MeetingChasewater Centre – 30.04.2013Notes of Meeting1) Introductions2) Update from John Dodwell – John Dodwell (CRT Trustee) was invited along as guestspeaker and gave an overview of his background and his experience with canals, anoverview of what CRT aim to do and how we maintain the canals, the challenges that face usand he finished with an update on volunteering.3) Planned Works – Ian Lane gave an overview of some of the direct labour and contractprojects that we have completed over the last year and identified those that we have planned.4) Waterscape – IL presented the dates for this year’s stoppage consultation and explainedthat the link would be on our website when people are able to comment.5) HS2 – IL identified where HS2 will affect the West Midlands and what we are doingnationally to get the most out of it.6) Minerva Wharf – Ian Darby gave an update on our new offices at Minerva wharf and ourplans to move in shortly.Q) It was asked if the land and building at Horseley Fields junction had been consideredinstead of Minerva wharf as it also included a slipway? DD stated that it had and that thecouncil had already sold this land.Q) It was asked what will happen to the basin at Broad st during the new development? Itwas stated that nothing will happen to it and it will remain as is.Q) It was asked if it was possible to install a new water tap at Minerva wharf? It was agreedthat it could be investigated.7) Water Resources - ID gave an overview of the current situation regarding water controland the positive start to this year and that we will not be imposing any restriction to festivals.8) Volunteering – ID gave a presentation identifying some of the excellent work volunteershave been doing and the local groups involved. He also touched on volunteer lock keepersfor the coming year and where they will be.9) Annualised Hours – ID explained about annualised hours and what changes people arelikely to see.10) Enforcement update – Dean Davies gave an overview of the current enforcement figures.DD identified a decrease in the evasion rate within the West Midlands.11) Partnership AGM – DD explained that this year’s Local Waterway Partnership AGM willbe on 18 June at the Copthorne Hotel, Merry Hill. DD also gave a brief update on the recentmeeting where the West Midlands and Central Shires LWP’s met together.12) Bradley Workshop Open day – DD explained that there will be an open day at BradleyWorkshop on Sunday 12 th May if anyone wanted to attend.

Q) It was asked if the plant and machinery could be working to help create a betteratmosphere? DD said he would pass this message on.QUESTIONS/COMMENTSQ) Do CRT have any plans for Volunteering on the W&E? DD said we are always keen to workwith people and if we have details Murray can contact those groups interested.Q) It was asked what has happened to the heritage survey? DD explained that Lizey, who wasleading the project, was still off. He apologised for the delay and would chase Nigel Crowe for anupdate.Q) It was asked if CRT would be dredging the Pelsall junction ready for the festival? DD said yeswe would.Q) It was again asked if we can we amend Dimmingsdale weir to increase the feeds and IL hadpreviously said he would investigate this with our water team. IL stated that we had investigatedthis and it was suggested that there was no need to do anything from our water team. It was thensuggested from the floor that this may need reviewing following discussions with David Brownand the possibility of increased flows from Barnhurst. IL said he would investigate again.Q) It was asked what CRT are doing to address the issues of drug addicts in the hovel on theFarmer’s bridge flight? CRT acknowledged the issue and stressed that they are trying to dosomething and are working with our internal teams to find a suitable solution.C) A thank you was given to the dredging team and the good works at Hawne Basin. There wasalso an invite to the Open weekend on 18/19 May.