Work to remove a number of sunken boats from the River Avon in Bath has been completed, nearly two months after recovery began.
Removing one of the sunken boats | Photo © B&NES Council
The operation near Pulteney Weir was carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council due to them posing a hazard to other users of the river and a pollution risk to the water.
The works were part of the Better Moorings Project, which seeks to address a range of mooring-related matters in the district.
The works were carried out by specialist contractors Strate Marine Services and began on 15th March, with the fifth and final boat having been removed on 9th May.
The council has said it is seeking to recover the removal costs from the boat owners, who are encouraged to engage with the local authority at their earliest convenience to minimise additional storage costs.
The council was previously criticised over its efforts to claim the costs back from boat owners, with local charity Julian House saying the plans were “victimising” some of the most vulnerable people in the area.
Mooring in the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon remains closed due to health and safety concerns. All boat owners moored in the area have been advised of the risks and were encouraged to vacate the area prior to the winter.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “These five boats have been an issue for some time and it’s fantastic that the removal operation has been completed.
“Thank you to residents and businesses in the area for your patience while the works were carried out and to Strate Marine Services and our Better Moorings team, who all worked tirelessly to achieve this positive outcome.
“The removals will ensure the safety of all river users and enhance everyone’s enjoyment of this iconic waterway, whilst reducing the levels of artificial waste in the river.
“We advise boat owners to safely moor at recognised and officially open mooring sites, monitor their moorings regularly throughout the winter season, ensure their boats are fit for the water and are fully insured, inclusive of salvage.”
