John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter: Houseboats have been ordered to leave a picturesque stretch of the River Avon in Bath.
The riverside opposite Parade Gardens, just downstream from Pulteney Weir, is a popular spot for houseboats to moor — some of which are available as a holiday let. But Bath and North East Somerset Council says it is not part of the navigation and is dangerous in bad weather.
Now the council has ordered the boats to leave the river. The council has given owners by which to remove their vessels — and is threatening legal action if they are not gone by then.
Deputy council leader Sarah Warren said: “Boats moored in the Pulteney stretch are in danger from the high risk of flooding, particularly during periods of severe winter weather. This could put lives at risk. We want everyone in B&NES to have a safe place to call home and prevent all our residents from coming to harm.
“We are also concerned about the risk of serious injury in instances where gangplanks are being used on benches, and boats are being moored to grab lines, which prevents those lines from being used as essential lifesaving equipment. By working with boat owners and the Canal & River Trust to help residents move to a safe location, we’re taking action to prevent accidents and protect everyone’s wellbeing. As a last resort, we will take legal action if vessels remain in place beyond the date we have asked them to leave.”
The council wants the boats gone by September. It is the second recent intervention in the waterway by the council. Last year, the council removed four sunken boats which had been cluttering the river and posing a hazard to river users. The council then pursued owners of the sunken boats to cough up the £55k it cost to salvage the boats.
The area along the riverside faces being transformed under Bath Rugby’s approved plans to build a permanent stadium at the Recreation Ground. Meanwhile, the council is considering replacing the Pulteney Radial Gate — which is reaching the end of its life — with a small hydroelectric power scheme.
The council is hosting an information session for boaters on May 27. Drop-in sessions will be held in June and July to help affected boaters prepare to move their vessels and connect them with local support.
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