British Waterways has a statutory obligation to maintain the 90 reservoirs in its care and at Naseby the reservoir inspector recommended remedial works be carried out as soon as possible to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

As Mr Eardley describes, the works were only partially completed in 2003 before rain began to fill the drawn down reservoir and their completion had to be postponed. We plan to continue the works in late August this year, and following a review of construction methods, hope to restrict the level of draw down to just two metres, instead of the four required in 2003. This is subject to a detailed site inspection as the water levels reduce but we are monitoring the situation and we hope these measures will enable sailing to continue throughout the summer.

We are now in regular contact with Mr Eardley regarding the works and their effect on the club. We are keen for the RYA school to remain at Naseby and we are also talking to Mr Eardley about the steps we can take to assist with this.

As many readers will know, we take measures to control cormorant populations at fisheries under guidance and licence from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). I understand the bird scarers were installed in February at a time when we assumed no sailing was taking place but we failed to check, and I further apologise for that mistake.

Our planning application for a new commercial fishery is currently on hold but we will communicate in advance our plans for any future developments at Naseby.

Regarding communications in general at British Waterways' South East waterway, as our new structure settles in we are seeking to develop and build stronger links with our waterway users through user group meetings and direct communication. We are committed to getting this right and value all feedback from our visitors and waterway businesses.

Yours faithfully Murray Geddes Service Manager British Waterways' South East waterway