Click on a picture to see a bigger version.

Roger Squires reports:

After overnight gales overnight and torrential morning rain, on Saturday morning the sun came out as 25 boats moved into the Little Venice Pool at 13.30, accompanied by approximately 50 shore-based protestors. The blockade was in place by 13.45 - ready for 5 local papers, the Press Association, ITV and London BBC TV news to record the event. David Hilling MBE, IWA Vice President, responded to many of press questions, assisted by David Pearce, the AWCC National Chairman, Malcolm Wood, the AWCC Press Officer and Roger Wilkinson representing London Walks Ltd. The TV crews also filmed the petition signing that continued into the afternoon, whilst at 14.30 the blockade itself was called off to allow the London Waterbus to ply its trade. Media coverage included: BBC News 24 and London BBC News, along with the early ITV, Radio 4 and LBC radio.

The Little Venice protest continued on Sunday when, throughout a very wet morning, those 'manning the blockade' were joined by Murad Qureshi - Greater London Assembly Member and Chair of London Waterways Commission, who gave his full support to the campaign.