Memorandum submitted by Oxford City Council
(BW 100)
BRITISH WATERWAYS
RELATIONSHI-S
The City Council, at a meeting of the full Council
on 30 April 2007, was advised of the existence and work of the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's British Waterways
Sub-Committee. Council understands that this sub-committee is
chaired by David Drew MP and that you are Clerk to the Inquiry
that the sub-committee is conducting. I write to let you know
of a resolution passed by the full City Council on 30 April 2007
that Council considers is relevant to the Inquiry.
Council adopted unanimously the Motion attached
to this letter.8[8]
In 2005 and 2006 Council also adopted Motions on the Jericho Boatyard
(described as the Castle Mill Boatyard in 30 April Motion). I
have also attached those two earlier Motions.9[9]
The three Motions together indicate the City Council's contributing
concern about British Waterways and its relationship with the
Council and local communities.
I think it would help if I briefly amplify the
Council's concerns. The Motion adopted on 30 April reflects Council's
disappointment with British Waterways. Councillors and officers
have spent many valuable hours over the past two years in meetings
and correspondence with British Waterways and in visiting sites.
All the time the Council has been assured by British Waterways
that they were committed to achieving the resolution of providing
residential boating support and facilities to replace the popular
and long-running one they had closed in central Oxford. The land
this facility formerly occupied is still empty and undeveloped
(see the Motion of 26 June 2006). After all this time nothing
has been achieved. There is a growing sense that British Waterways
may be attempting to duck out of its full responsibilities.
I am sure that the City Council would be interested
to learn of progress upon the sub-committee's Inquiry and perhaps
you could write to update me as and when appropriate.
Brian J Dinsdal
Interim Chief Executive
Oxford City Council
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9
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