Oxford City Council, The Environment Agency (EA) and local landowners and stakeholders are working together to address concerns about sunken and abandoned boats moored on the River Thames.
Oxford City Council, The Environment Agency (EA) and local landowners and stakeholders are working together to address concerns about sunken and abandoned boats moored on the River Thames, from Folly Bridge to Iffley Lock, as part of a wider EA operation.
A number of sunk or partially sunk boats are still unclaimed following the EA’s efforts to contact boat owners to claim and register any unoccupied vessels. These boats can pose a hazard to navigation and the environment.
Some sections of the riverbank south of the city are not registered to any specific landowner, and there is no obligation by the Council or non-landowning colleges to remove boats from such areas.
To improve the river environment for all river users, 40 Oxford colleges, as major river users, along with The Hartley Trust, will contribute to the removal of the boats, regardless of land ownership, with the largest funding for local works coming from the Council.
The EA’s work will also include an ongoing focus on compliance and protection of the local environment.
Removal of the boats in this stretch of the Thames has now started, following delays from high river levels following heavy rainfall earlier in the year.
Comment
“For the people and animals who call it home, and those who enjoy it for leisure, this stretch of the river Thames is a vital resource that must be protected. However, an increase in abandoned or sunken boats is causing major issues for river users and the environment.
“Working with our partners and local landowners, we want to improve the experience for everyone by clearing the abandoned boats in the short term and looking for long-term solutions, so we don’t end up here again.
“I’m pleased we are making progress here. My thanks to all of the stakeholders who have helped to get to this point.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford
“Irresponsible boat owners have caused a blight on the Thames for far too long. We know the impact these boats can have on river users and local residents. Our task force is working across the whole of the non-total Thames. For this part of the operation, we are grateful to Oxford City Council, local landowners and other key stakeholders for their contributions to the cost of this work in Oxford”.
Bill Jephson, Deputy Director Navigation Operations, Environment Agency
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