David Ros, who has lived aboard his boat, the Elizabeth, since 2006, has endured the vexations, which include the daily struggle with the elements and the burden of emptying the bilge tank. Even the lack of something seemingly as trivial as a postal code can pose problems — whether for ensuring timely and accurate mail delivery, or the quick appearance of the police if summoned to address mayhem on the towpath. Lately, though, the houseboaters are facing a new and potentially bigger sort of problem: urban overcrowding. London housing prices continue to soar, up about 20 percent so far this year. One result is that the canal houseboat — once mainly an alternative lifestyle choice — has become an increasingly sought-after affordable-housing option. “The last two years have been an explosion,” said Mr. Ros, 53, who works as a freelance sound designer and lives alone in his one-bedroom boat. “With the cost of housing so stupidly high, there are a load of new, inexperienced people on the water. And a lot less space.” There are now about 3,000 houseboats in London, twice the number as seven years ago, according to the Canal and River Trust, which oversees the inland waterways of England and Wales. It might not seem a large number. But that growth is stretching the limits of the existing canal support system — including the provision of household water and waste disposal.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 01:40:42 +0000
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