Date published: 2025-05-14 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Environment and Clean Air, Focusing on prevention, public safety, Tackling the climate and ecological emergency
Works to recover five sunken boats from the River Avon in Bath have successfully been completed with the removal of the final boat from the waterway.
The operation near Pulteney Weir was carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council due to the boats posing a hazard to other users of 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 Bath and North East Somerset.
The works were carried out by specialist contractors Strate Marine Services and began on March 15, with the final boat having been removed last week (May 9).
The council is seeking to recover the removal costs from the boat owners, who are encouraged to engage with the council at their earliest convenience to minimise additional storage costs.
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.”
Find out more about moorings in B&NES.
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