13th
Hale Wharf takes 'shape' & Business trains
The first of the business barges, I believe it is called Newark Belle, recently arrived at Hale wharf and my gosh what a big business barge it is compared to the smaller ones seen at Eagle Wharf and in Paddington Basin. Is this the way forward? Much larger barges and far less waterspace for the navigation?The above picture doesnt do justice to the scene really as the channel width is essentially now that of a canal rather than a river navigation.
I have some suggestions for BW. How about business trains instead of barges? These wont impede navigation. They can be put on the towpath and stretch from Tottenham to Stonebridge lock. Towpath users can use the pathway through Tottenham marshes instead. One problem. Where will BW get its business trains from? Simple! The Victoria Line is upgrading its tube stock and no doubt the 1967/1972 stock will be come redundant with a home yet to be found.
The Isle of Wight line surely will only need a few sets as always, so the rest of the 1967/72 stock can be wheeled from their depot the very short distance across the road at Stonebridge onto the Lee Navigation towpath, where they then form an end on end line of tube stock. Now’s here’s BW chance to create the worlds longest office in deference to St Pancras’ claim to having the worlds longest bar!
