Canals,Green Corridors and Drought

[nightshade]

This country used to have a fine network of both railways and canals
which linked even large villages together and could be said to have
delayed the development of the motor car for years!
The wildlife along these waterways is diverse,as is the plant life,it could
have been (with a little foresight) a method of moving water around this island
could it be too late to utilise and expand this facility I wonder?
I know the water leisure industry has along with various charities
and British Waterways have done sterling work to maintain and reopen
many stretches should not this be a government priority to get some
of the heavy freight off our roads

[Echo]

Hi Nightshade -
I totally agree with you - a balance between increasing canal transport pressures and the surrounding wildlife is however a real problem, erosion of the banks scare away the water voles !! I for one would love to sail my way to work!

Echo

[honeybee]

I know there was talk of reopening the canal near Cirencester/Stroud but it would cost millions. Also the place is a haven for wildlife as it is now in it's redundant state.
I think the disuse of the railways was a terrible thing, with lots of small stations being closed. When you look at all those big lorries on the motorway it would be much safer and less polluting to transport via canals and railways.

[nightshade]

I wish Dr Beeching was around today,I would personaly kick his ass

[honeybee]

Me too!

They've even stopped transporting mail by railway now, even though most post office depots are next to a railway. Those who know Potteric Carr will have seen the depot there and the one in Gloucester's being shut down adding to the traffic congestion. I used the train all the time when I lived in Cardiff as there are still lots of small stops. I don't think any of the Virgin trains stop at Gloucester anymore and we have the longest platform in Britain! Still the service from Virgin is enough to put you off for life, my regular journeys were rarely without a hitch or glitch.

[Paul mabbott]

I suspect that the canals are being revived for the leisure business rather than for industrial transportation. Another thing I've noticed (from limited experience) is that where canals are revived they tend to be accompanied by house-building, marinas &c which promptly wipes out the surrounding green areas.
It is indeed a shame that many of the railway branch lines were closed although many of them make very good wildlife corridors and cycleways! It is, however, much easier to rebuild the railways, especially light railways for human transport but why not light goods as well. Even Eddie Stobart sees the sense of railways over lorries in some circumstances: Stobarts Launch Rail Freight Service

Originally Posted by honeybee

I know there was talk of reopening the canal near Cirencester/Stroud but it would cost millions. Also the place is a haven for wildlife as it is now in it's redundant state.
I think the disuse of the railways was a terrible thing, with lots of small stations being closed. When you look at all those big lorries on the motorway it would be much safer and less polluting to transport via canals and railways.

[John]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I wish Dr Beeching was around today,I would personaly kick his ass

Unfortunately I suffered at his hands. I was a steam engine driver back in the 60's and was made redundant. I have since worked in the Railway Private sector for ten years and it is an absolute disgrace the way they have let our rail system go.

If they had ploughed the money in correctly the railways would have been a godsend to the industries. There were many types of wagons developed that would have been very useful to use but the type of terminals needed for them were deemed too expensive. How short sighted can you get.

The thinking of some of our governments is beyond me. They have lost the plot when it comes to shelling out on projects that are future driven. Profits have to be immediate otherwise funding will not be found.

I lost the most fantastic job that a man can have because of all this cutting back and I have never forgiven them for it.

Regarding waterways. Brilliant idea but not workable in our fast paced life. I suppose some industries could trot along at a slow pace but I can't think of any. Manufactured goods need to be at point of sale quickly so I can't see the waterways fulfilling that criteria.

John

[henrya]

Quote
Regarding waterways. Brilliant idea but not workable in our fast paced life. I suppose some industries could trot along at a slow pace but I can't think of any. Manufactured goods need to be at point of sale quickly
Enqduote

Only because almost everyone is so impatient - if we all slowed down a bit and didn't demand everything 'next day' then we'd all be a lot better off. But I don't expect us to change!

henrya

[Garden Carpet]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I wish Dr Beeching was around today,I would personaly kick his ass

shhhhh nightshade.. they will have you for cruelty to donkeys if you arent careful lol
jaki

[nightshade]

Oooops silly me, kick his tender behind (that is the coal/water carrying part of,some types,
of steam locomotive)