THE LATEST ISSUE OF the Boaters' Update shows that Canal & River Trust is getting tough with the skivers.
Those that want all the facilities of the waterways but do not want to pay.
Last resort
The trust tells that removing boats from the waterways is its last resort. But under its powers it allows it to remove boats from the waterway if they are there without permission or persistently in breach of the licence terms and conditions, including not having a licence.
There is a floating encampment linked to illegal activity that have been removed under its powers from the Lee Navigation near Bow Locks that comprised of Items recovered included an extensive pontoon structure, a stolen boat, a second unlicensed boat, two tenders, gazebos and scaffolding erected on site. There was reports of antisocial behaviour and alleged illegal activity at the site.
So the trust tells it had teams, supported with security including officers from the Metropolitan Police, that carried out the operation under Section 8. The floating structure had been attached to third party land on the offside of the navigation, and the operation took place amid concern for the welfare of dogs, intimidation of residents and individuals accessing the site across private land.
Takes precaution
When someone's home, the trust takes the precaution of getting a court order to remove the boat from the waterway, for sometimes it has no choice.
Similar action has been taken in other regions but it is a last resort.
The trust works with a number of boaters who struggle to pay their licence, so more information about the support available is on its vulnerable boaters page.