The Vole -- Towpath Troubles
In the middle of the last decade BW spent much time and money grading and metalling towpaths for "multi-purpose" use. In fact, as predicted by many of the boating associations, all that happened is the smooth towpaths became ideal for mini-motos, scrambler bikes and kamikaze mountain bikers. Far from being multi-user friendly, the towpaths became a highly dangerous place to be if on foot.
The problems were highlighted and remedies suggested by the PTBB (Put The Bumps Back) society. However, frustration caused by the lack of action, has led to certain individuals digging up sections of towpath and covering the surface in brick rubble and the like. More subtle protests involved taking cuttings from hawthorn and blackthorn hedges and scattering the cuttings along towpaths. Wheeled transport suffered greatly from punctures as a result.
Now AV(2010)PLC's response, the STI (Slow Towpath Initiative), is due for the chop as part of the ongoing cost saving program. However, Ivor Wrench came up with an idea that has saved the day. Dump the muck from dredging operations on the towpath (and sod em all). "Walkers / boaters / fisherman will tread it down and make a reasonable path in the end" said Ivor. "No problem".
(Old boaters will be thinking this is where we came in.... Matt)
The problems were highlighted and remedies suggested by the PTBB (Put The Bumps Back) society. However, frustration caused by the lack of action, has led to certain individuals digging up sections of towpath and covering the surface in brick rubble and the like. More subtle protests involved taking cuttings from hawthorn and blackthorn hedges and scattering the cuttings along towpaths. Wheeled transport suffered greatly from punctures as a result.
Now AV(2010)PLC's response, the STI (Slow Towpath Initiative), is due for the chop as part of the ongoing cost saving program. However, Ivor Wrench came up with an idea that has saved the day. Dump the muck from dredging operations on the towpath (and sod em all). "Walkers / boaters / fisherman will tread it down and make a reasonable path in the end" said Ivor. "No problem".
(Old boaters will be thinking this is where we came in.... Matt)
