1. Continuous cruising – We all know that the problem is not about cruising, but mooring. The answer has to be more community-run off-line moorings, not expensive commercial marinas. Now that sounds something very much like what AWCC started 50 years ago!

2. Residential boating – This must be accepted as a "responsible" activity! I would defer to RBOA, but there needs to be more recognition by commercial marinas and local authorities that this is not only acceptable but good for them as well.

3. Mooring auctions & local mooring strategies – Most national user-groups were against the concept of mooring auctions and I suspect BW's political masters put pressure on them to take a strictly market orientated approach. In the long term I think this should be a truly local issue decided by the Waterway Partnerships in consultation with local authorities. Certainly, greater involvement of local communities is necessary as they are in the best position to judge how local mooring rules impact on their economic and recreational environment.

4. Managing multiple use of towpaths – Another one for local communities, but recognising two things:

Firstly, the towpath has to be in a condition where it is capable of multiple use and that may mean money, local money, to make it so.

Secondly, recognition that where a boater wants to, or should I say reasonably expects to moor, or just pull in for a bit, he/she should be allowed to do so without hassle. Inevitably, compromise is needed.

5. Encouraging local community engagement – this is where the local Waterway partnerships should shine. I was involved at the start of this and there is still a long way to go. Each of the 13 or so partnerships must establish local projects, possibly linking up with parish/borough councils and pre-existing groups like canal societies to encourage and develop waterside environments to make it something that local communities can be proud of. Gone are the days when the local canal doubled as the local rubbish tip!

Overall – I like the boat sticker produced some years ago by the South Pennine Boat Club – "Remember, canals were meant for boats".

In preparation for the transition of British Waterways to new waterways charity, the Canal and River Trust, a local waterways partnership may already have been formed and if one exists in your area, it may be a good idea to write a letter of concern to them. This type of issue is one that they would/should be addressing as it concerns the welfare and enjoyment of more than one type of canal user.