BOATERS along the Kennet and Avon canal that do not have a fixed mooring have organised a rally protesting against the governance of the Canal & River Trust.

The protest will take place outside CRT's headquarters by Caen Hill, Devizes, to express opposition to what they see as punitive and unlawful enforcement policy which has forced some boaters from their homes.

Barge owners have argued that since May 2015, the CRT's interpretation of the British Waterways Act 1995, which has seen many boaters having their licences restricted to six months, is not supported by the law.

In an attempt to reconcile their differences boaters and CRT representatives met in Bradford on Avon on June 17 for a meeting chaired by MP Michelle Donelan.

Going forward, the CRT agreed that it would be more sensitive when it came to dealing with boating families with children that attend schools, and allow less movement in term times but ask for more movement during the holidays.

"It was a step in the right direction but it is too early to say what will come from it but boaters are still very concerned about this issue," said National Bargee Travellers Association chairman Pamela Smith.

"When there are cases where someone is pregnant, have young children who go to school who have to travel miles to get there or has a disability, we have seen them back down.

"This policy of theirs has seen many boaters having their licences restricted to six months from the 12 months we want, threatened with losing their homes and being pressured to give up their homes.

"We want to make it clear that they cannot go on carry on with this state of affairs - the law does not specify what they are saying and they are not being transparent.

"Their definition is purely about how they would like the law to be. One of their lawyers said in 2012 that the CRT want more people to have home moorings but many cannot afford that. We have a lawful right to be without a home mooring."

The disagreement stemmed over the act not specifying the distance to be travelled for boats without a home mooring, and both sides interpreting the wording in different ways.

The protest will take place from 2-4.30pm. For more information about this topic visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5upAf7waaLg