NABO is complaining formally via BW’s Internal Complaints Procedure about the consultation process, or lack of, regarding the Moorings Tenders trials. Although the trials affect relatively few boaters directly, the letters later in this magazine ('NABO News' sent to members) show that the very principle strikes fear and horror into a much wider section of the boating community. Even Adrian Stott, a fervent supporter of the tendering process, blames BW's poor communication for its poor reception:-
'It [the strength of feeling] also typifies the depth and breadth of misunder-standing
of the issue. BW is the major cause, as it has introduced and generally handled
this enormously beneficial initiative extremely badly. All the more reason for
a proper
discussion of it by NABO before arriving at a policy, rather than adopting a
knee jerk negative position.'
One of the main bones of contention regarding the Moorings Tender trial seems to be the unfair treatment of those on waiting lists, and NABO is prepared to bring this aspect into the complaint if members feel it is appropriate. If you are on a waiting list that is being 'suspended' and feel you are being unfairly treated, we ask you to contact Simon Robbins, council, our moorings guru with the following information - at least:-
Name
Membership Number
BW region where you’re seeking a mooring
Approximate time or estimated position on waiting list
Email address/phone number
Which petitions you have signed (IWA and/or No 10 Downing Street) [optional]
Of course we are also willing to hear from those who do actually feel this method of allocating vacant berths is worth pursuing.
Although this issue only directly affects those seeking BW on-line moorings, it has severely set back a number of positive BW/User group initiatives previously in progress with the 'Boating Development' department, such as Customer Service Standards; Visitor Moorings duration evaluations and Facility Gap Analysis, all of which should benefit BW boating customers generally.
NABO feels it is being forced back into the position of 'BW bashing', a stance its Council has been striving hard to move away from. We hope for a speedy resumption of progress on the positive initiatives and must express thanks that at least BW is renewing its support for the NABO Waterway Reports Forum after a strongly worded plea from the NABO chairman. He felt the complete absence of any link to the Forum from Waterscape, at a time when Waterscape was showing no hesitation to develop pages for the tendering trials, added insult to injury. His words mentioned 'gift horses' and hopefully have been taken to heart.