'Unsightly' boats removed from River Thames

Many of the boats have been brought to the Environment Agency's dry dock

Abandoned and sunken boats along a stretch of the River Thames are being removed.

The Environment Agency (EA) has cleared more than 20 boats near Sunbury as part of Operation Riverside, which began on Tuesday.

Maria Herlihy, waterways manager and harbourmaster for the River Thames at the EA, said the boats were "unsightly", not registered and could cause a danger on the river.

"We need to get them away from the river, recycled, resold and moved away so that everybody can enjoy the river," she said.

Maria Herlihy said many of the abandoned boats were "unsightly"

Previous operations have seen boats removed at Cigarette Island, opposite Hampton Court Palace.

Esher and Walton MP Monica Harding said she had been "relentlessly pushing" for boats to be cleared.

"I am pleased that this work is paying off and boats are now being removed," she added.

"This progress is welcome and shows that sustained hard work and political focus, working together with residents and community groups, can make a real difference."

Some of the boats are brought to the Environment Agency's slipway

Ms Herlihy said timelines for removing boats were dependent on the time of year and river levels.

John Dutson, senior specialist in waterways department, said the reasons for boats overstaying on moorings or being abandoned varied.

These included being on the river for necessity, due to a change of circumstance or due to bereavement.

Floating boats are towed to the EA's dry dock at Sunbury, while sunken boats often need to be lifted out the water using flotation bags and then have any water pumped out before being removed.

"It's really good to see the river improved," he said.

Some boats need to be refloated and have the water pumped out of them

An Elmbridge Borough Council spokesperson said the authority was "committed to keeping our riverbanks safe, clean, and open to all" and that 28 boats were removed over the summer from public land at Cigarette Island and Albany Reach.

"With the support of the Environment Agency, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and the powers of a Public Space Protection Order, we're determined to protect our riverside for the whole community," they said.