End of the line for boatyard? (From Messenger Newspapers)

End of the line for boatyard?

9:22am Wednesday 4th April 2007

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A STRETFORD boat owner fears he is losing his battle to keep the town's boatyard from closing down.

As was reported in SUM in January, James Strangeways was trying to bring the Edge Lane yard back to life.

It has been gradually falling into disrepair for years culminating in electricity and phone lines being cut before Christmas.

But James had hoped that with landowners Peel Holding taking over the running of the site from previous tenants, the future could be brighter.

Instead, he says Peel have indicated they may not want to keep it as a boatyard at all.

He said: "They're going to make it derelict and it's irresponsible for them to do that.

"The point is we're losing our boatyards. Stretford used to be the centre of the Bridgewater Canal but now they're saying it might not be a boatyard which is ridiculous.

"We've got the site, we've got the people who want to work there and I could get it up and running and cleared up if they would let me."

James, who maintains his barge at the boatyard, has produced leaflets calling on people to get behind the boatyard and show their support.

Mike Webb, general manager of the Bridgewater Canal, said: "During the occupancy of the property by our tenant the boatyard was not operated properly for some considerable time and despite assurances by the tenant that he would clear up the site it remains an eyesore.

"Peel has recently taken possession of the boatyard following the tenant terminating his company as a legal entity.

"The site is in a poor state with a number of derelict and abandoned boats and site cabins that need to be cleared away at considerable cost to Peel.

"We are currently obtaining costs to clear up the boatyard and will be assessing the site shortly to evaluate its future use.

"The site offers a good opportunity for redevelopment opportunities and various options are being looked into.

"Peel are committed to continuous investment in the canal and we thank the local authorities and organisations who recognise its importance and constantly support it."

What do you think should happen to the site? Have your say online.

lroberts@messengergrp.co.uk

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