Fly tipping at Osea

I sent this yesterday...

...no reply, just wanted to make my point.

Thank you for your prompt reply. *As a sailor that crosses the causeway on a regular basis I am concerned that no attempt was made to inform the local sailing community of the works prior to the raising of the causeway. *I am sure this was an oversight rather than an ignorant disregard for other users of the river, but had my vessel grounded on the rubble it could have sustained severe damage and even sunk. The loss of a keel would render any sailing boat very unstable. *I believe my insurers would have sought reimbursement from you. *The potential loss of life is also a factor and I can not help but wonder if you are fully covered for a large compensation claim.

I urge you, in all our interests to complete repairs and reinstate the safe navigation over the causeway with all possible dispatch and in future provide prior notice before creating a hazard to navigation.

Thank you

There, I feel a bit better now!
 
A few press releases on the subject

An argument has broken out between Maldon District Council and the owners of Osea Island after tons of rubble were allegedly 'dumped' along the path of the causeway causing a severe risk to vessels.

The causeway - called 'The Stumble' locally, which is only available for use around low tide, has had approximately 450 tons of rubble dumped along it's length.

Nigel Harmer, the River Bailiff responsible for this stretch of water, reports that the debris represents a real risk to small boats at 'all states of tide' and says larger lumps of concrete have reinforcing rods sticking out from them, adding to the danger to boats.

Nigel Frieda, who owns the 400-acre island in the River Blackwater, near Heybridge Basin, said the huge piles of rocks on either side of the Stumble were down to contractors acting on his behalf.

A spokesperson for the Osea Island resort also commented that the rubble was for the 'repair' of the causeway and should be back to a normal level by today.

In response Maldon District Council say that the work is un-authorised and illegal and It is now working alongside the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation to investigate.
 
Last edited:
MY littlebirchwoo said:
An argument has broken out between Maldon District Council and the owners of Osea Island after tons of rubble were allegedly 'dumped' along the path of the causeway causing a severe risk to vessels.

The causeway - called 'The Stumble' locally, which is only available for use around low tide, has had approximately 450 tons of rubble dumped along it's length.

Nigel Harmer, the River Bailiff responsible for this stretch of water, reports that the debris represents a real risk to small boats at 'all states of tide' and says larger lumps of concrete have reinforcing rods sticking out from them, adding to the danger to boats.

Nigel Frieda, who owns the 400-acre island in the River Blackwater, near Heybridge Basin, said the huge piles of rocks on either side of the Stumble were down to contractors acting on his behalf.

A spokesperson for the Osea Island resort also commented that the rubble was for the 'repair' of the causeway and should be back to a normal level by today.

In response Maldon District Council say that the work is un-authorised and illegal and It is now working alongside the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation to investigate.
Click to expand...

I hope this is pursued to the letter of the law. Nigel Frieda may own the island but he Doesn't own the river!! This smells of a heavyweight owner thinking they're above the law.
 
Sorry to jump this thread but...

...does anyone know the current state of affairs? Hope to be sailing this weekend and a circumnavigation of Osea is our usual route. Have the obstructions been cleared yet?
 
Couple of weeks ago i walked 1/3 the way over cauceway.
Had a digger moving the said rubble about.
Rubble still as high as my knee, must be 18-20 inch high.
Looks very dangerous to me, would rip the guts out of any boat that hit it imho.
Can confirm "yellow" markers have been laid both sides of cauceway.
My club has told all our members to stear well clear, till this is sorted out.
 
After the big shout about it, the official agencies seem to have gone all silent now.
There must be some law, that you are not allowed to dump 450 tonn of rubble on the sea bed ?.
I know if we as sailors dumped that much we would be charged.:confused:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top