Boaters on the canals around Bath are expressing frustration and feeling unfairly penalized after the closure of a refuse facility due to persistent fly tipping issues. The decision to shut down the bins at Bathampton has left the boating community questioning why a simple lock couldn’t have been installed to prevent the ongoing problem.
The Canal & Rivers Trust cited the site’s regular targeting for fly tipping and vandalism as the main reasons for the closure, which has left boaters wondering how to dispose of their waste. This has led to over 350 people signing a petition urging to keep the facility open. The petition highlights the witnessing of individuals dumping waste at night, emphasizing the need for accessible and secure facilities. Boaters who have advocated for improvements, such as a roof and a lock on the bins enclosure, feel neglected as the problems persist.
Members of the boating community have emphasized the essential role of the facility and the unfairness of punishing the majority for the misdeeds of a minority. Concerns have also been raised about the potential exacerbation of fly tipping if alternative solutions are not provided.
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Local council leader Kevin Guy criticized the Canal & Rivers Trust for failing to manage the site appropriately and emphasized the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of boaters, residents, and the parish council. The council and the trust have issued a joint statement acknowledging the need to balance the requirements of boaters, the Bathampton community, and the environment, while also exploring alternative solutions to address the ongoing issue of fly tipping.