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Save Castle Mill Boatyard

V | 29.03.2005 21:40 | Culture | Free Spaces | Oxford

Update (11/03/05): The planning enquiry is ongoing and will continue on 16th-17th May. Meanwhile British Waterways have served a notice for repossession of the site. More details here.

This historic boatyard in the heart of Jericho is about to be closed if the planning enquiry (8th March ongoing) finds in favour of British Waterways and Bellway Homes, (yes you guessed it - more luxury apartments are being planned).

This site has been a boatyard for over 150 years, and continues to provide an essential service for residential and pleasure craft. If this closes, it will force boatowners to travel a day each way to get their MOT equivalent (can you imagine the furore if car drivers were made to do a similar thing?). It is even more essential for emergency repairs as it is the only boatyard in the region which has a crane lift to clean and repair hulls.

[ Reports: 1 | 2 ] [ Video | Boatyard pics ]
[ Campaign Website | Proposed Development | Online Petition ]

Castlemill Boatyard
Castlemill Boatyard


Its existance was a prerequisite for the city council creating another 60 mooring on the canal, knowing that there were the facilities here to maintain the boats.

Local residents have long supported the existance of the boatyard, stating that it is an "important part of the historic character of Jericho itself. Anger and regret were expressed at both the possible loss of another local business and also the consequent potential loss to the vibrancy of the canal which is such an integral part of our community".

For further inspiration, check out British Waterways' own website. It is full of inspiring statements, such as:
'It is essential that the views of local communities are fully represented and effectively listened to'
and
'Maximising social, economic, environment and heritage benefits',
and it lists all the other Board Members and Directors who might like to hear your views.

If you are in any doubt as to the blandness of the proposed development, check it out for yourself.

For more information go to www.portmeadow.org or watch the video here.

V