Any misleading accusations? Yes. It was claimed that: - CRT makes far more on selling water to Bristol than it spends on dredging
The CRT have spent an extra £800K on dredging in Gloucester this year, and the 'surplus' generated is much smaller than imagined, although the figures can't be publicly shared unless the customer (Bristol) agrees. Worth remembering CRT is a charity; there is no dividend and every penny is reinvested. 2. The CRT is struggling financially because the Government hasn't agreed its budget When this Government established the CRT in 2012, it agreed a 15 year budget up to 2027. Later this year (probably this summer) a settlement beyond 2027 will be made: but this has no impact on what happens at Gloucester Docks for some time to come. So is everything sorted? The management of all water is a constant challenge: floods, drought and accidents (e.g the lorry that bashed Llanthony Lock bridge a couple of days ago) as well as looking after customers, other stakeholders and public expectations. Again worth remembering that events like Dragon Boat Racing and Retro on the Docks are organised and run by unpaid volunteers. Everything is sorted until the next mini crisis: what matters is how each one is resolved and communicated and how tolerant stakeholders are of each other: whether they want to blame and score points off each other - or work together. After all, negative media publicity from acrimonious public meetings has never generated much footfall. In summary The Docks, Britain's most inland port, are stunning (see my photos). There are now more restaurants and cafes and two good Museums. Tommy Nielson's Tall Ships are a joy and Llanthony Secunda's gardens are looking great. The Quays are busy and their turnover is up sharply. Time for CRT to communicate better and stakeholders to pull together, not apart. Small cities thrive when they have pride in themselves and keep the arguments off the airwaves. Otherwise tourists and investors go elsewhere! | 
