Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Del Brenner (BW 76a)
What a very worthwhile evidence session at Gloucester
on Monday. I have various items of information that I would like
to place before the committee.
No meeting with BW until they listen
In response to a question on Monday, I confirmed
that I would not have a meeting with BW until they start listening.
I enclose the letter I wrote 2 years ago to BW Chief Executive
which confirms this and gives reasons for my stance [Annex A[11]].
I am still awaiting a `culture' change that would encourage me
to have a summit meeting with BW.
In the meantime, I continue to deal with BW
staff on a day-to-day basis.
Review of BW
We were only able to deal with a limited number
of issues at the evidence session, and I attach my 2004 Report
to Defra which covers many of the other issues in more detail
[Annex B[12]].
I think the committee will find this useful and informative.
Regents Network Report: Are the Waterways of the
Lower Lea Valley in Good Hands?
At Gloucester, I did not read the `memorandum'
from Adrian Stott and do not have a copy. I have been informed
that it was very critical of me personally, and in particular
there was a long critique of my November 2005 report on the Lea
and the Prescott Lock.
I have not supplied the committee with a copy,
and do not know if it has been forwarded to you from another source.
However, to be certain that the committee have sight of what issues
are being referred to, I have attached a copy of my original report.[13]
I hope it will be clear that I do not oppose
the impounding of some waterways in the Lower Lea area, nor the
construction of some form of new lock. However, I am very critical
of the BW proposal. I also point out in the report that their
are viable alternatives routes to the Olympic area, and BW have
made a point of firmly dismissing these opportunities. British
Waterways have also downgraded the wonderful Bow Locks that have
served so well for over 100 years, and downgraded the Lee Navigation
itself. We wonder what they are up to, especially as they are
designated as `Commercial Waterway'.
The intention of the above report is to raise
these issues, as everyone else seems to keep their mouths firmly
shut.
The Observer Article, December 2004
I mentioned in my evidence that there are a
number of articles and press comments I have been involved with.
The above Observer article caused a considerable stir, although
to us it was very straightforward and to the point [Annex C[14]].
The article resulted in an onslaught from BW
on the Editor of the Observer(!), as well as an attack on myself.
This did not go down well.
The committee may be interested in the issues
that this spat raised [Annexes D-G[15]].
Subsequently, the Observer obtained various
items under freedom of information, but a follow-up article is
yet to appear. The BBC were also alerted and have been showing
interest in the plight of our waterways.
We often wonder why BW do not just keep their
mouths shut, as they assist us greatly with their comments. They
are one of our best publicists, which means we may be getting
something right.
Del Brenner
April 2007
11 Not printed. Back
12
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13
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14
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15
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