VARIOUS AGENCIES are getting tough with overstaying boats on the Thames.
With a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) now in force restricting mooring to 24 hours with no return within 72 hours at five locations in Elmbridge on the Thames, reports Janet Friend.
Served trespass notices
This week Elmbridge Borough Council, the Environment Agency and the police visited boats moored at Cigarette Island, opposite Hampton Court Palace, to serve overstaying vessels with trespass notices.
Ian Burrows, head of culture, leisure and environment at Elmbridge Borough Council confirmed:
"The PSPO was intended to provide a a long term solution to clearing this area up.
"We want this to be clear and open and shiny for all our residents to enjoy and people visiting the palace to look over and enjoy as well."
The council will spend £100,000 in clearing unauthorised moorings this year. But a big obstacle at the moment was Environment Agency funding.
It does not have the funding to do similar work up and down the Thames, but the council is still demanding that the agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) should provide adequate funding so that this problem can be resolved once and for all.
Protection order in place
The PSPO is in place at Ditton Reach, Albany Reach, Cigarette Island, Cowey Sale, Hurst Park and Surrey County Council's Parrs moorings adjacent to Hampton Court bridge.
The National Bargee Travellers Association had described the rule as draconian, and told it would punish people for the simple act of living in their homes.