I was most pleased to read that the Environment Agency had managed to get rid of all those boats that were illegally moored on the Thames at Richmond.
It is a while back now, but I was caught up with them when I attempted to moor at a space against them whilst waiting for the lock at Teddington, and was immediately threatened by two people, with one slapping a piece of wood on his legs as though he meant to use it on me, and though I though of ringing the police it was their words against mine, so I would have lost.
I told him I was only waiting for the lock, but he would not offer any explanation simply saying that that was a reserved space and I could not stop. I went past again this week and saw the whole bank was free of boats, and though I had no need, I could have waited, but I wonder where they all are now, most likely threatening someone else.
Justin Blakeley