Eyesore boat to be removed from canal basin

A sinking canal boat, which has been labelled as an eyesore by local people, is to be removed, according to the Canal and River Trust.

The boat, which is in a deteriorating condition, has become an eyesore in the popular basin area and has prompted worries about safety, environmental impact and the image of the town centre.

The Canal and River Trust, which manages the UK’s canal network, says it has been trying to resolve the situation by contacting the boat’s registered owner.

A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said:

“We share the concerns local people have about this boat and have been making every effort to trace the registered keeper and give them the opportunity to recover it. This has not been possible so we’ve now taken steps to remove it ourselves. A contractor has visited site to assess the boat and we hope to have more details about when the removal can take place very shortly.”

The Trust says removing abandoned or sunken boats can be a complex process, often requiring specialist contractors to safely lift and dispose of vessels without damaging the waterway.

Local residents have welcomed confirmation that action is being taken and hope the basin will soon be restored to a cleaner and more welcoming condition for visitors and boaters alike.