A Bridge Too Far

12.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Dec 2003

"The threat to throw a bridge over the boat people of Willow Wren Wharf and drive them out of their moorings is a scandal too far", says Dee Doocey, Liberal Democrat candidate for the GLA South West constituency.

She hit out at the lack of support they are getting from their MP and their GLA member. And she called on all those who love the Grand Union Canal to add their voices to the campaign to save the boat peoples¹ homes, the 150-year-old moorings and the priceless environment of the canal.

The Co-op with the backing of British Waterways wants to build a bridge for lorries over the canal and over the residents' boats to link the International/Brent Park Trading Estates to the Bulls Bridge Trading Estate and Hayes Road.

Hounslow Council¹s Sustainable Development Committee will take a final decision on the bridge on 23 December.

Dee Doocey said that houseboat residents, who would have to move if the bridge is approved, have been treated disgracefully by both the Co-op and British Waterways.

"'The Waterways have refused any compensation. The alternative moorings are not acceptable, as the residents would be squashed together like battery hens with no light, no view and no privacy.

''The Waterways would run essential services only to the moorings¹ walkway and residents would have to pay for their own wiring and connections.

Dee campaigning with the houseboat people

"There is worse, fire engines couldn¹t reach the houseboats in the proposed new mooring. What a threat to life."

"Only Hounslow councillors stand between the boat people and the twin big brothers, the Co-op and British Waterways", she said.

Dee Doocey said "that a bridge would add to pollution and noise and affect many homes in the area. How different it would have been if the proposal had been to build a bridge over houses in the area."

Dee Doocey challenged the houseboat residents¹ MP, Labour and Co-operative Alan Keen, to say clearly and in public whether he supports the residents or his sponsors, the Co-op. "He must come clean", she said.

She called on the present GLA member, Tony Arbour, to speak out for the residents. "Why is he silent?" she said.

She has written to the Mayor of London pointing out that the stretch of the canal, which the Co-op and British Waterways want to despoil, is part of the Green Corridor, an important environmental area of the type he favours. "Surely, he must help", she said.