A heated dispute has arisen in Bath as boat owners moored near the historic Pulteney Weir face eviction notices from Bath & North East Somerset Council. The council has labeled the boats a “hazard,” citing health and safety concerns regarding unauthorised mooring locations along the River Avon. These vessels, some of which are used for holiday accommodation, sit prominently near the iconic Pulteney Bridge, a landmark with literary ties to famed novelist Jane Austen.
The council insists the action is necessary to protect public safety and preserve the function of the weir, which plays a critical role in the city’s flood defenses. Officials also express concerns over dangerous mooring practices that may impede emergency access and increase risks during severe weather, particularly in winter months.
However, the boat owners strongly contest these claims. Many suspect their eviction serves other interests, particularly linked to proposed redevelopment on the riverside, including plans for a new Bath Rugby stadium adjacent to the current site. Ted, a longtime boater, voices his frustration: “There’s not a health and safety issue – they’re just using that as an excuse. This is about getting rid of us, the boats, and the trees to make way for the rugby ground.”
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Other residents share similar sentiments, highlighting a lack of alternative mooring options and the council’s failure to provide meaningful solutions. They emphasize their responsible stewardship of the site, noting no past incidents related to safety and the absence of other residential moorings nearby. Percy Walton, a resident for four years, adds, “We contribute to tourism and the local community. The boats are part of the landscape, not a blight, and we aren’t given anywhere else to go.”
The council emphasizes that boats moored in the area are not authorized and pose risks to other river users, especially as the channel is vital for flood defense and not designated for navigation. Efforts to engage with boat owners have included warnings and signage, but some owners did not comply with prior requests to relocate ahead of the winter season.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainability, reinforced the council’s position: “Our priority is safety. Boats moored here during severe weather are at high risk of flooding, potentially endangering lives. We are working with boat owners and the Canal & River Trust to help find safer mooring locations, but legal action will be taken as a last resort if compliance isn’t achieved.”
As the September deadline approaches, tensions remain high with boaters vowing to resist eviction and seek to formalize their presence with planning applications. The clash highlights the challenges of balancing heritage, safety, and development ambitions along Bath’s picturesque riverfront.