Unauthorised boats on Thames removed and scrapped

One councillor said the vessels had disturbed nearby residents for years

Several boats moored without permission on the River Thames in Surrey have been removed and scrapped.

Two large vessels and a smaller one were seized by authorities, following an operation along two stretches of the river in Elmbridge around Cigarette Island Park and Hurst Park in Molesey.

Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) said the unauthorised moorings had been there for a "considerable time".

EBC leader Mike Rollings said people living near the river in Molesey had been "disturbed" by the boats "for many years" and enforcement action was needed to ensure the waterway was used "safely and legally".

The operation was led by the Environment Agency and EBC with support from Surrey Police and Surrey County Council.

EBC said trespass and fly-tipping enforcement notices were served, alongside warnings to remove possessions.

Sunken vessels were surveyed for future removal, it added.

More action is planned for the coming weeks, according to EBC.

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