Date published: 2026-05-22 | Category: Bath, Environment and Clean Air, Focusing on prevention, public safety
Bath & North East Somerset Council is taking action to keep people safe on the Pulteney stretch of the River Avon in Bath by addressing unauthorised and dangerous mooring locations.
Boat owners moored there will be supported to move their vessels by the middle of September this year as the moorings are not safe for them to use. The moorings also pose a hazard to other river users.
The channel forms a critical part of the city’s flood defences and is not part of the river’s navigation for boat users.
In recent years, a number of boats including holiday rentals have moored along this stretch of the river, despite the council working with boat owners to explain the dangers and installing warning signage at the location. The owners of the rental vessels were asked to leave the area prior to the winter months when bad weather poses the greatest risks, however this was not acted upon.
The council is holding an information session for boaters on 27 May to outline the proposals for vessels to be removed by September and listen to feedback, including any additional support needs.
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, ahead of the council issuing notices to vacate.
If the site is not vacated by the deadline, the council will consider the use of enforcement action to protect public safety.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable B&NES, 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.”
Boaters are encouraged to check availability at authorised mooring sites across the area to identify a new place to moor. The council will continue to liaise with partners, including the Canal & River Trust, to support safe relocation.
ENDS