Relief over plans to remove abandoned boats

Residents have welcomed plans to remove five sunken and sinking boats from the River Avon in Bath.

Work by Bath and North East Somerset Council to remove the abandoned vessels is due to begin on 15 March at a cost of £72,600.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said the council had exhausted all attempts to get the owners to arrange self-recovery so it was carrying out the work to remove them as a last resort.

Resident Casey Nolan, who lives on the river, said he was relieved to hear the wrecks would be removed.

Mr Nolan said their removal was more than just "aesthetics".

"It will help the flow of the river," he said.

As well as looking unattractive, the boats pose a hazard to others navigating the waterway, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Ian Herve, from Bath, said: "It's about time. It certainly needs doing and it's unfortunate the council have to pay £72k for it.

"Obviously the owners should be paying."

The removal work was expected to last a week, weather permitting, with the towpath and waterway to remain open.

The council said it would also attempt to recover the costs of the removal.

Ball said: "The Pulteney stretch of the river is the primary flood defence mechanism for the city and between late October and March, carries an increased volume of water with river levels regularly exceeding the height of the bank.

"This is a dangerous stretch of river for boats to moor in, especially in winter.

"We appeal to all boat owners to safely moor at recognised and officially open mooring sites, monitor their moorings regularly throughout the winter season, ensure their boat is fit for the water and it is fully insured inclusive of salvage."

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