UMVA has learned that a long-standing dispute between houseboat owners and the local council has taken a dramatic turn, with the boat owners facing an eviction notice that has left them feeling threatened and uncertain about their future.
The controversy centers around a stretch of the River Avon, where several houseboat owners, including 67-year-old Percy Walton, have lived for years. They claim the council's sudden move to evict them is linked to plans to build a new Bath Rugby stadium, and not due to any legitimate health and safety concerns.
Ted, a 54-year-old boat owner, expressed his concerns, stating, 'There’s not a health and safety issue – they’re just using that against us. It’s all about the rugby ground, getting rid of the boats and trees.' He believes the council's actions are unfair and that they will use force to move them by September.
Percy Walton branded the council order as 'dodgy' and pointed out that there are no other moorings on the Avon, leaving them with nowhere to go. He emphasized that they contribute to the area, with tourists often asking them questions and seeking information about the local trees.
The houseboat owners believe the eviction notice is part of a larger plan to develop the area, which includes the construction of a new rugby stadium and possibly a cafe. They argue that the council's actions are 'all smoke and mirrors' and that the true intention is to clear the way for these developments.
One boat owner claimed that the site is 'completely safe' and that the council's concerns are unfounded. They suggested that the money spent on evicting them could be better spent on making the site safer, if that is indeed the reason for the eviction.
The council has given the houseboat owners until September to leave or face legal action, citing concerns about safety and the risk of flooding. However, the boat owners are refusing to leave, and some plan to submit a planning application to manage the moorings themselves.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainability, insisted that the council's primary concern is the safety of the boat owners and other river users. She stated that the moorings pose a hazard and that the council will take action to prevent accidents and protect everyone's wellbeing.
The standoff between the houseboat owners and the council has left the community uncertain about the future of the River Avon and the fate of those who call it home.
