Action against Illegal Mooring

[LimL]

Action is now being taken by Reading Borough Council... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-10792284

[byron]

About blooming time too. I wonder if the Kings Meadow reference is in fact Tescos.

[miket]

They moved off Tesco mooring, no doubt after eviction and dropped down to the mouth of the K&A.

[pheran]

I assume that all the Thames-based forumites saw the item on South Today (BBC1, 1830 this evening). Nothing much new to report, narrow boats clogging up available moorings, Reading Council taking legal action etc etc. I recorded it but not worth copying to DVD. The one interesting point was the interview with what I assume is one of the offenders who thought 24 hours was unreasonably short as a limit and perhaps 2 weeks would be more appropriate, on the basis that such boaters brought lots of money into the local economy. Yeah, right.......!!

[byron]

Originally Posted by pheran

. The one interesting point was the interview with what I assume is one of the offenders who thought 24 hours was unreasonably short as a limit and perhaps 2 weeks would be more appropriate, on the basis that such boaters brought lots of money into the local economy. Yeah, right.......!!

I noted that bit and couldn't get my head around it. The argument being they clog up the moorings stop people getting to the shops and this is good for the economy. What concerned me they only interviewed 'offenders' not one 'regular' boater or local resident was asked for their views.

[boatone]

Saw the little enclave just below the entrance to the Kennet and Avon. There also seem to be several moored between Tescos and the K&A.

Also an 'interesting' looking assembly tucked intp the bushes on the opposite side of the river.

Just been looking at the Annual Report for the Thames EA which raises some interesting questions. One item . in particular, drew my attention. in the whole of 2009/10 there was only 310 river patrols by boat i.e. less than one per day for the whole of the non tidal Thames. Only 174 of these were between April and September. The comparable 2008/9 figures are not quoted but I have some reason to believe there were considerably more.

So, how does this stack up with the declaration of a greater level of enforcement activity ?

[DWT]

It's the local authority which is taking action in Reading and that seems to be because of reports of anti social behaviour. There are others tucked away in quieter spots who seem to be left alone. I am sure we all have examples, but I suspect nothuing much will be done unless there are complaints.

[TrueBlue]

I suspect it's the boats moored "round the corner" up the Kennet that the action is aimed at.
The public moorings at the end of the loop are short and there's little space left for anyone wanting (?) to visit the Oracacle. There are some flats on the island and I bet they complained!