Examination of Witnesses (Questions 21200
- 21219)
21200. We would hope that British Waterways,
a government-funded agency whose annual report includes the following
statement: "Supporting the growth in boating means developing
a strategy for creating new moorings and upgrading existing berth"—would
work hard to ensure that the Poplar Dock and Blackwall Basin communities
are supported to remain in Docklands. Popular Dock Marina, our
current home, is described by British Waterways Marinas Limited
as: "Designed to offer boaters the highest quality facilities
available in terms of safety, security, comfort and style".
Within the marina facilities available to every boater, we have
water and electricity for every boat, gas and fuel deliveries,
telephone and broadband, showers and toilets, including disabled
access, a communal washing machine and dryer, rubbish disposal,
security features, including a secure gate entry, security staff
at night, secure car and bicycle parking and CCTV, pump out and
Elsan disposal(chemical toilet)for sewage, recycling for household
waste, a postal address and postal deliveries which community
members took considerable time and effort to agree, plus a community
communal public area. Within walking distance of the marina we
also have easy access to medical health centres which the community
are registered at, childcare facilities, such as cre"che
and day-care centres, local schools with one community member
serving on the PTA, local shops and Crisp Street Market, post
offices and banks, leisure centres and libraries which are well
used by members, and the local dump for disposal of other boat
waste, such as engine oil and lead acid batteries. We also have
very good transport links with Blackwall DLR, Canary Wharf Underground
et cetera, and a number of local bus stops which are key in preventing
the total isolation of those members of the community with mobility
problems. Therefore, if Poplar and Blackwall communities were
to be moved from our current site to Milwall for the duration
of the construction period, we would expect a like-for-like exchange
and would need confirmation of a mooring that could accommodate
the whole community facilities in place that would match those
we currently have at Poplar and Blackwall, again, a guaranteed
right of return to Poplar Dock and Blackwall Basin at the end
of the construction and agreement that access to the Thames will
not be impeded, despite access being reliant on the lifting of
a very low swing bridge across Marsh Wall to allow access between
Milwall and South Dock.
21201. Currently, our concerns with this site
are that we have been told by British Waterways' operatives that
the extremely low bridge entrance can only be lifted very rarely
which would constrain our activities. The current suggested site
is not able to take the community as a whole and currently there
are no facilities in place for residential moorings. I believe
the Milwall option was talked about at previous submissions and
we were alarmed to hear the phrase, "fighting tooth and nail
to reject this proposal" was put forward, it does not make
us feel particularly welcome.
21202. I would also like to touch briefly on
the relocation to the Royal Docks. One of the suggestions offered
by Crossrail recently has been that there has been up to four
sites within the Royal Docks. We are not clear whether the whole
marina could be accommodated on one site which is what we would
want. The option is extremely unpopular with residents for a number
of reasons, including the close proximity of the marina to London
City Airport and the resulting noise pollution and related health
problems. As was mentioned, many of the smaller boats would not
be able to get insurance to sail beyond the Thames Barrier, meaning
the solution excludes some of our community. Also, Crossrail have
indicated in discussion that although all boats could be accommodated
within the Royal Docks, it would not be possible to moor all boats
on the same site. The sites as offered are presently extremely
desolate and do not offer any of the infrastructure currently
available at our Poplar site, such as health and social care practitioners,
accessible transport opportunities and adequate security. The
current management authority of the docks, the Royal Docks Management
Authority, do not currently allow any residential boats to be
moored within the docks, to our knowledge. At our last meeting
with Crossrail they realised that they had not mentioned the fact
that they would be relocating residential boats to RoDMA and,
as yet, we have not heard back whether this would be acceptable
to them. Either way we feel that as a primarily commercial real
estate venture they might not be fully supportive of residential
boat owners, even if they granted permission.
21203. There is a fear that local residents
would be unfamiliar with residential boaters and the community
may face discrimination, and key services may not be able to cope
with 150 new residents arriving on mass. Also, the London Docklands
Development Corporation did a feasibility study into developing
the Royal Docks' areas as moorings and that report states that:
"In extreme weather conditions, ie, winter storms, craft
on fixed moorings and access pontoons could be severely damaged,
particularly in the south west corner during easterly gales",
which makes residents extremely concerned about the safety of
their vessels.
21204. In summary, there is a great deal of
concern within the Poplar Dock and Blackwall communities about
the lack of concrete options and the level of development of the
current options as suggested by Crossrail. For example, to our
knowledge, no feasibility studies of any of the suggested solutions
have been formally undertaken or published, we have not yet seen
them. If they have been, we have not seen the results of these
and we believe that the Promoters of Crossrail are working hard
with the local necessary stakeholders but we have not been involved
directly in these conversations ourselves. We would ask the Committee
to ensure that we are offered a far greater level of engagement
in any future negotiations that relate to the future of Poplar
and Blackwall Dock communities. We are only a small collection
of boats whose voice feels very small when pitched against the
hugely well resourced interests representing their particular
interest in relation to this project. This is coupled with a history
of boat dwellers being under-valued, discriminated against and
overlooked. Whilst these relative vested interests play out their
compensation claims our lives are on hold and over 150 people
are left in fear of their future. We hope the Committee would
ensure a greater urgency in finding a workable solution which
becomes apparent within those agencies involved. In summary, Chairman
and Members of the Committee, we do not feel we are currently
being offered any solution to which the impending crisis places
us and, in truth, we are unclear of what happens next. We are
conscious that these hearings are almost over and we would hope
to see a greater sense of urgency from the bodies involved committing
to a workable solution, and we trust that the Committee's influence
would be helpful in achieving this. We ask that the parties involved
are tied to achieving a clear commitment that is in place before
this Committee closes and is rigorous enough to be enforced in
the future if we feel these agencies are not actively engaging
with us to find a solution. We do bring vital skills and an understanding
about living on boats that nobody else has and we would wish to
be actively involved in future negotiations regarding our future.
21205. In closing, all of us want to stay at
Poplar Dock, provided that access to the Thames is possible. We
wish to be involved in the investigation of every possible opportunity
to remain in Poplar Dock before relocation is considered as an
option. River access is not only central to the idea of living
on the boat but in reality it is essential to health and safety
and boat maintenance, therefore being locked in is not an acceptable
option. Taking away boaters' rights of passage is clearly a compromise
to our way of life and is not something we can simply be financially
compensated for. We have chosen to live in Poplar for all kinds
of reasons and it is not just a case of having somewhere to moor
a vessel. We have established links with the area, local services
and local community. Recent newcomers to the site have paid considerably
for the privilege to moor here and many have invested heavily
in their vessels.
21206. Under the current circumstances, we are
facing a significant loss in the value of our homes. Any solution
must provide for the whole community as is currently situated
within Poplar and Blackwall and so must be able to cater for the
variety of personal, community and nautical needs that I have
outlined. Any solution must protect the community against discrimination.
Any alternative site must be within the Thames Barrier and provide
the full level of services that we are currently provided with,
as well as personal compensation for any displacement to a new
relocation. The community does want to be part of the solution
and we feel we have already committed over a thousand hours and
considerable resource to this negotiation process. We would ask
the Committee to ensure that we have access to all of the information
required and are supported in order to continue to play a full
part in this process
21207. Chairman: Thank you very much
indeed. Ms Lieven?
21208. Ms Lieven: Sir, I am very much
in the Committee's hands. I think we have Mr Fink from the British
Waterways Board to explain their problems with the Milwall option,
if the Committee want to here them. I obviously have Mr Berryman
who can take you through more of the engineering on the proposals
I have explained this morning in outline.
21209. Chairman: Perhaps we should deal
with that now.
21210. Ms Lieven: Sir, that would seem
sensible. If the Committee hears from British Waterways at least
then I will call Mr Berryman to explain where we have got to.
21211. Mr Brown: My name is Nicholas
Brown of Bircham Dyson Bell, and I represent British Waterways,
and Mr Dennis Fink would like to read a short statement. I believe
you have before you a document including some plans and photographs
which were passed to your clerk yesterday? I do not know whether
the Committee has had a chance to look at those?
21212. Chairman: For the record, can
this be marked as A245.
21213. Mr Brown: I do not know whether
the Committee has had an opportunity to consider the paper that
Mr Fink put in yesterday. He could read it through if that would
help the Committee or if they have not read it all in detail or
would like him to do so, he points to some salient points in the
paper, whichever would be your wish, Sir.
21214. Chairman: It is not for us, it
is what your representative wants to do, I should put that on
the record; either way we have received it.
Mr Dennis Fink, Sworn
Examined by Mr Brown
21215. Mr Brown: I think it would be
sensible then if Mr Fink read out his short statement.
(Mr Fink) Good morning. I have a short statement
which I would like to read to the Committee. My name is Dennis
Fink, MBE, and I am appearing on behalf of British Waterways,
as requested before the Committee and I am pleased to do so. I
am the Docklands Manager for British Waterways and have held that
position since 1998. My job is to oversee the safety, maintenance,
operation, improvement and development of the Isle of Dogs dock
estate for British Waterways. I started working in the docks in
1973 and have more than 34 years' experience working in the former
docks and Docklands area. I was awarded an MBE for services to
Docklands in 2000. I hope to be able to provide assistance to
the Committee in relation to the possible relocation of boats
from Poplar Dock Marina and Blackwall Basin in London Docklands
and to answer, where I am able, questions that the Committee may
have. A short paper with accompanying plans and photographs concerning
this matter were sent to your clerk yesterday. I hope the Committee
has had the opportunity to read the paper and they have found
it helpful. I would also like to reassure the Members of the Committee
that British Waterways has discussed at length these issues with
Crossrail and also with representatives of boat owners at Poplar
Dock and Blackwell Basin, and British Waterways is committed to
continue to work with all the parties to find a solution where
this is possible. My paper sets out the concerns which British
Waterways has regarding the viability of relocating boats from
Poplar Dock and Blackwall Basin to the Milwall Docks, and I do
not propose to repeat these concerns, save to reiterate that the
main points of concern include that there is insufficient space
for all the displaced vessels whilst retaining a navigable route
though the Milwall Inner Dock. The area has poor access from land
for all the services that boaters require and increased vessel
movement through the Milwall Cutting will require more bridge
lifts causing undue disruption to pedestrian and road traffic
in the surrounding area. I would like to conclude my brief introduction
by informing the Committee that British Waterways does have a
solution to this problem. If I could divert slightly from this,
this has also been slightly changed from the points that Ms Lieven
made earlier this morning. If the Committee could consider Map
1, which is the map you have already been shown, showing the proposed
route of the canal through the Wood Wharf development.[5]
Currently the navigable route to the lock entrance for the boat
owners is via the North Dock, then via Bellmouth Passage from
the South Dock and then to the dock entrance. If I could now ask
the Committee to consider the plan marked number three, which
is a map of Wood Wharf, which is the area of land which separates
the Blackwall Basin from the South Dock and is subject to redevelopment
plans. Part of the redevelopment includes the construction of
a new canal which will allow direct access for boats in the Blackwall
Basin and Poplar Docks to South Dock and from there to the River
Thames, and you can see the proposed canal on the map.[6]
I believe the new canal could be constructed before the main Crossrail
construction works commence, thereby creating a navigable route
to the lock entrance which would allow all of the boats in Poplar
Dock and Blackwall Basin to remain where they are. This point
is included in the Petition of British Waterways against AP3 and
has been raised by British Waterways with Crossrail on a number
of occasions. At a meeting on Monday 12 March attended by Crossrail,
Wood Wharf Partnership, Canary Wharf and British Waterways on
this subject it was generally agreed that the early construction
of the canal may be feasible. The parties agreed to do more on
the proposal to see how it might be taken forward. If the new
canal was constructed there would therefore be no need to relocate
any of the boat owners from Poplar Dock and Blackwall Basin, equally
if the navigable route was maintained through the Bellmouth Passage,
which is the route the boaters currently use and, as was outlined
by the Promoters and representatives this morning, that would
also enable them to stay where they are. Thank you. I would be
happy to answer any questions that the Members of the Committee
may have.
21216. Can I ask Mr Fink one question? You would
welcome, would you not, the proposals put forward to you which
you saw for the first time at half past nine this morning which
Ms Lieven so clearly put to the Committee earlier this morning?
(Mr Fink) Yes, British Waterways would certainly
welcome those proposals and be happy to work with the Promoter
to see if we could bring those to fruition because as Ms Stephens
has said to you this morning, their desire is to remain there
and we want to do all we can to work with them to make sure they
do remain there, so British Waterways would be very happy to engage
with the Promoter to see if we could bring that to fruition.
21217. Chairman: That is most helpful.
Ms Lieven, do you want to question Mr Fink?
21218. Ms Lieven: Sir, I was not intending
to ask this witness any questions, he is really here to assist
the Committee.
Cross-examined by the Committee
21219. Kelvin Hopkins: The question I
have might be more for Mr Berryman rather than Mr Fink. We have
been assured that there is no possibility of breaking through
that former link to the Thames from Blackwall Basin, it has just
now been blocked in, and given that all of the other solutions
involve some difficulties, some expense, that solution is being
put out of court. It seems to me that given the expense of constructing
this other canal, for example, that it might be no more expensive
to reopen that link there and put a bridge rather than a blocked
road across it?
(Mr Fink) There was a bridge over that old
lock entrance originally but that was filled in many years during
the times of the London Docklands Development Corporation. It
is now a solid causeway all the way down to the bottom of the
lock, so basically a solid concrete structure.[7]
It has a couple of very small pipes running through it to enable
water from the dock to be passed into the remaining isolated end
of the lock at the river end. The footways and road carry an enormous
number of utility services, sewers, water mains, gas, electricity,
high voltage power cables, telecommunications, all of which would
need to be diverted. Clearly, it could be done. If somebody threw
enough money at that, that could be done. The lock gates had no
operating machinery; residential dwellings had been built over
all the land which used to house the operating equipment there.
The lock gates have been closed off and fully supported by concrete
on the outer side because that forms part of the island walkway
around the river edge. Obviously all of that would need to be
taken account of and indeed a dual-carriageway bridge would need
to be constructed over that because Prestons Road at that is a
dual carriageway which would then isolate that section of the
island community between that bridge and the Manchester Road Bridge
over our lock entrance to the south. That would mean there would
be operational issues to be taken into account to ensure that
emergency vehicles, et cetera, could get to those areas. I would
say to you, it is feasible but I have no idea how much cost it
would be, but it has been looked at, I believe, by the Promoter,
considered but discounted because of the issues it raises.
5 Committee Ref: A245, Plan of West India and Millwall
Docks (LINEWD-AP3-42-05-010). Back
6
Committee Ref: A245, Proposed New Canal and Basin Alignment Development
(LINEWD-AP3-42-05-012). Back
7
Crossrail Ref: P155, Isle of Dog Enabling Works, Wood Wharf Canal,
Blackwall Lock, Mott MacDonald report (TOWHLB-325-04-007 and -008). Back
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