BOB Smyth has written a fine article on the workings of the AONB and some of the other organisations that work alongside it (Review, March 3).
I suppose the thing that pricked my alert button was his statement that the River Wye is not open to through navigation. He says that Mr Simpson wants to reopen the river. Of course the river has never been closed to navigation. Maybe, boats are few and far between but the main reason is not all to do with problems of navigation. With care, the navigation can be mastered. What does cause a hiccup for small boat users, especially at Tintern and above is the lack of landing and mooring facilities.
There have been a number of attempts to re-establish the tourist trip up the Lower Wye, which was so popular in Victorian times. It is impossible at the moment, because the landing arrangements at Tintern have fallen into disuse. The time is bound to come when the public will again be able to enjoy the pleasure of this serene and interesting stretch of water, which must be close to being the most beautiful in Britain.
I assure you that a boat full of enthralled passengers causes a lot less distress to the wildlife and the land than a similar sized group of walkers or cyclists. (The fox at Lancaut never gives us a second glance).
Bob Smyth would be more than welcome to come and see for himself. – R. Campbell, chairman, Chepstow Boat Club.