The Civic Society looked at several sites where it might have been possible to store the Lady Fiona, the last remaining canal barge that plied it's trade to Kendal, with a view to bringing it back to Kendal and prepared information on the history of the boat with photographs past and present. Two new possible sites for the storage of the boat were suggested: on the canal bed alongside Natland Road and; to the immediate north of the Change Bridge. The boat is about 70 ft long so access had to be discussed with landowners and police.
The boat is now apparently in good condition (but not watertight!), following preservation by British Waterways, who wish to complete this project, however, the cost of bringing the boat by road would be considerable. Concerns about the final use for the boat, insurance, upkeep, safety when in storage and at its final destination were considered against the commitment of other parties including SLDC.
The Civic Society had already approved support for the project in principle so were prepared to take the next step and commit funds if matters went ahead. It later became apparent that other bodies also wish to give the Lady Fiona a permenant home. It was decided that the Civic Society would wait to see if SLDC would take responsibility for the project as it depended to a large extent on their, and others, resources and do no more for the time being. Subsequently SLDC decided that they could not take prime responsibility and it is likely that it is now up to a consortium of Hal Bagot’s Northern Reaches Group, local societies and volunteers to look into the feasibility of bringing the boat to Kendal.
Subsequently it was suggested that the boat could be brought to the Millness depot for storage until such time as it could be re-utilised near the restored canal in Kendal but Council members will exercise caution about the Society's financial commitment and no further action will be taken at this stage.
