New permit scheme to help protect Bude Canal
By Em_Williams | Tuesday, September 25, 2012, 21:37
A new public launching scheme on Bude Canal is due to come into effect this week to help protect the popular waterway into the future. From Friday (28th September) canoeists, boat users and anyone else wishing to launch craft on the canal will need to buy a day or annual permit from Bude Tourist Information Centre.
Permits will cost £4 per day or £20 for a year. It's thought the scheme will ensure canal users adhere to the waterway code of conduct and will regulate the numbers of people using the canal. Concessionary permits and family tickets will also be available.
"For only £20 per year, people will be able to have fun and enjoy Bude Canal," said Councillor Paula Dolphin, Cornwall Council local member for Bude and Chair of Bude Management Advisory Group. "It will also help us manage the number of canoes and kayaks avoiding capacity issues."
The Council has consulted with those who regularly use the Canal and many were keen to see the waterway regulated. The permit scheme not only ensures the number of daily users are kept to a safe level, but will also generate income towards maintaining the Canal.
Harry McConville, Chairman of Crescent Residents Association said: "Local residents welcome the new canal licensing scheme which replaces the previous un-regulated free-for-all for water craft on Bude Canal. Noise nuisance from instructors and children will hopefully reduce if the code of conduct is adhered to - this is of particular relevance to many local residents."
Paul Braund, Chair of Bude Canal Angling Association, added: "As anglers, the introduction of public launching fees is particularly welcome as this will raise awareness of other canal user groups and ensue all users are contributing to the sustainability of the waterway.
"We were pleased to be involved with other user groups in agreeing a code of conduct that will positively contribute to the management of activity on the canal so that it is safe, sustainable and inclusive for all user groups."
Gareth Cann, Bude Sites and Trails Ranger for Cormac Solutions Ltd said: "All day and annual permit holders will be provided with a canal map, a copy of the code of conduct and be easily identifiable by all users of the canal.''
"Having seen the summer role on by, I can only reflect on how well all centres have worked well together on the canal this year with the new commercial scheme now in place, the code of conduct was adhered to," said Sam Roberts, a Bude Canal commercial operator. "With the launch of the daily permit and concessions for families we hope to see members of the public and centres working in harmony together.
Permits are available from Bude Visitor Information Centre at Crescent Car Park in Bude. For more information click here.
Comments
I agree with you with the canoe shouting game, very intrusive. With the surf board thing I was just trying to demonstrate that the type of craft to be charged had not been defined.
If the scheme is not policed then it is wasting time spending money on signs and rules. If it is policed the cost of signs and overheads will probably use all the income. So what then, scrap it or raise the cost?
By TUTULY at 13:41 on 29/09/12
ReportI don't think too many people will want to go surfing on the canal, TUTULY. As for the Code of Conduct, I would have been happier if it had been a bit more specific about noise, rather than just 'not cause a nuisance'. For some reason, instructors seem to encourage the participants to outshout each other. Excitement and a bit of noise are understandable, and acceptable, but please concentrate on canoeing skills tather than, "Come on guys, the other canoe is making more noise than you, lets make it louder." And I've seen this happen directly in front of the current signs which ask for activities to respect local residents and keep noise to a minimum. I hope the Code of Conduct is more successful.
By Canalman at 20:41 on 28/09/12
ReportAbout time should of been started 20 years ago.
By browntroutone at 16:34 on 28/09/12
ReportSo what type of 'craft' is to pay? It seems not to be defined...what about a home made thing...raft or plank?
By TUTULY at 22:34 on 25/09/12
ReportYeah.......but what type of craft needs a permit, what about a surf board?
By TUTULY at 22:33 on 25/09/12
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