A footpath running alongside the River Avon between Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground and the river is set to close temporarily on match days, coinciding with the recent eviction of houseboats moored nearby.
Bath and North East Somerset Council recently deemed the river stretch near the stadium dangerous in adverse weather and ordered houseboats moored there to relocate by September, threatening legal action for non-compliance. Shortly after, Green councillor Saskia Heijltjes (Lambridge, Green) revealed the council’s plans to close the adjacent footpath during Bath Rugby games—a route essential for boat residents to access their homes.
The council insists these two actions are unrelated. Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, said, “A match day towpath closure in the interests of public safety is currently under consideration. This is not connected with the council’s removal of unauthorised boats.”
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An official order published in April permits temporary closure of the footpath from 12:30 pm to 8 pm on match days to prevent obstructions. Green group leader Joanna Wright (also Lambridge) expressed concern over the timing, stating, “The path closure from September coincides with the eviction of boat-dwellers on the same riverside stretch. There is no clear assessment assuring safe access for boaters during evictions combined with the footpath closures.”
Heijltjes added, “It is unfair that people risk losing their homes while access routes to those homes close for a private sports club.” She emphasized that the riverside path is well-used by locals, leisure users, and tourists. “Closing a public right of way so Bath Rugby can manage matchday logistics demands transparent legal justification, and must not leave vulnerable residents without home access.”
Boaters affected have contested safety concerns. Percy Walton, living on the river for four years, plans to legally challenge the eviction and believes the removals align with redevelopment plans, including Bath Rugby’s permanent stadium project. Walton stated, “I don’t think we fit in with their future designs. It feels discriminatory.”
The council faces calls for clarity and fairness as these parallel actions impact public access and vulnerable riverside residents.