A heated dispute has arisen between Bath & North East Somerset Council and boat owners moored near the historic Pulteney Weir. The council has issued eviction notices to several boats anchored close to this iconic location, citing health and safety concerns. Several of these vessels are used as holiday accommodations and overlook the famed Pulteney Bridge, a landmark once home to novelist Jane Austen.
The council describes these boats as unauthorized and hazardous moorings that pose risks to both residents and other river users. Bath & North East Somerset Council states it is prioritizing public safety by addressing these moorings, which are also said to interfere with the city’s flood defenses.
However, the boat owners vehemently deny the safety risks highlighted by the council. Many believe the eviction is motivated more by political and developmental ambitions than genuine safety concerns. There is speculation that the removals pave the way for plans to build a new Bath Rugby stadium near the weir.
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Ted, a 54-year-old boat owner, said, “There’s no health and safety issue — this is just an excuse. It’s really about the rugby ground and clearing away the boats and trees. They plan to move us by September and won’t do it kindly; they’ll use force.”
Other residents have expressed frustration at proposed relocation to the canal, which lacks residential moorings. They suggest that if flooding was truly the concern, the council would have installed pontoons similar to those found elsewhere on the river. One resident added, “All down the river there are pontoons, but not here. The council has spent millions on legal action instead of making the area safer.”
Residents emphasize their contributions to local tourism, noting frequent inquiries from visitors and their responsible waste disposal. Percy Walton, 67, who has lived on his boat for four years, shared, “We’re part of the community and have not caused health or safety problems. We are being removed because they consider us scruffy and because of political interests tied to the rugby ground and proposed café.”
The boaters also claim they have “free navigation” rights, which exempts them from mooring fees at this site, though some are willing to pay if allowed to remain.
In response, the council reaffirmed that these moorings are unsafe and unauthorized, especially given the importance of this river stretch to Bath’s flood defenses. Deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainability, Councillor Sarah Warren, stressed the dangers, particularly during severe weather, and highlighted risks from unsafe mooring practices.
The council is working with boat owners and the Canal & River Trust to relocate vessels to safer moorings. However, they remain prepared to take legal action if boats remain past the September deadline.