Disposal of Compton Castle paddle steamer may cost £200k

The Compton Castle has been moored on Lemon Quay since 1982

A wrecked paddle steamer moored in Truro could be broken up - at a cost of £200,000.

The Compton Castle has been moored on Lemon Quay since 1982 and has served as a floating museum and café.

A report by the Cornwall Harbours board said that it had become home to rough sleepers and it proposed that the boat should be removed.

The board is seeking match funding from the Truro Town Deal board to pay for the disposal of the steamer.

The plan is being put forward at a meeting at Cornwall Council on 14 March.

The Compton Castle sank on its mooring in May 2023

The vessel's condition has deteriorated significantly over the past 14 years and in May 2023 the steamer sank on its mooring.

The report said that after the sinking, the board had asked the owner to return the boat to a serviceable condition or remove it from the harbour.

The boat was re-floated and temporary repairs were made by the owner.

Ammunition carrier

The report stated that the Harbours Board was negotiating a settlement with the owner for outstanding debts and had secured the site.

"The rent account has been on hold since March 2023," the report added, "and in September the lease for the shore infrastructure was terminated."

The Compton Castle was built in Falmouth in 1914

The area on Lemon Quay adjacent to the boat is the subject of Truro Town Deal investment.

The report said: "The vessel can be broken in its current position and the cost is expected to be £200,000.

"It is proposed to fund £100,000 from the Port of Truro Reserve and the remainder will be sought from match funding with Truro Town Deal Board to expedite the disposal."

The Compton Castle was built in 1914 by Cox & Co of Falmouth for the River Dart Steamboat Company.

In World War Two it was requisitioned as a naval ammunition carrier on the River Dart.