Popular canal barge company may stay in the family

THE owners of one of Devon's top attractions have revealed efforts are underway to see whether their business could be transferred to family members to run, writes Bradley Gerrard.

- BRADLEY GERRARD

Phil and Jacquie Brind, who own The Tiverton Canal Company, announced earlier this year that they planned to retire after 20 years in charge.

Addressing a Mid Devon District Council committee that helps oversee the Grand Western Canal, which the business operates on, Mr Brind said there had been interest in the barge and the outpouring of feeling about it continuing had been significant.

"It is going to be a big pull to leave the business but I wanted to say we do take tremendous responsibility in finding the right person to take it on," he said.

"We have had a lot of people, officially and unofficially, say what a loss it would be if it didn't continue, to Tiverton, Mid Devon and Devon as a whole, as the barge is one of the last of its kind.

"We have realised the responsibility we have to find the right people to take it on."