Slumboats are go!

The bit behind them looks nice now the jumble of boats have gone - we went past on Sunday en route to Limehouse . I still think LBRUT could consider installing some proper residential moorings there but I realise the services would be pretty complicated to install. Its nice to see boats about and I'm sure towpath walkers would appreciate well organised official moorings. Seems a shame if nobody can moor there ever again :(
 
We don't need any more static moorings, but 24hr spaces would be welcome. There are boats moored from stern to bow on the opposite bank from Teddington Lock to Kingston bridge. I know of a number of available spaces, just not residential.
 
teddington_lock said:
What a beautiful scene ... I can see it being made into a postcard
Click to expand...
image.jpg
Yes, stunning isn't it. How kind of Mr Trotman to bring the beauty of his native New Zealand to our part of the world. His sewage arrangements could feature in NZ's Peter Jackson epic, 'Lord of the Ringpeices'.

Personally, I feel obliged to come to the office and cough up on my next visit, but SWMBO was adamant that she wasn't going to hand over her hard earned cash for a mooring fee while Trotmans hotel complex was in situ enjoying the facilities for free.. She does have a point.
 
Last edited:
Actionmat said:
View attachment 59791
Yes, stunning isn't it. How kind of Mr Trotman to bring the beauty of his native New Zealand to our part of the world. His sewage arrangements could feature in NZ's Peter Jackson epic, 'Lord of the Ringpeices'.

Personally, I feel obliged to come to the office and cough up on my next visit, but SWMBO was adamant that she wasn't going to hand over her hard earned cash for a mooring fee while Trotmans hotel complex was in situ enjoying the facilities for free.. She does have a point.
Click to expand...
Talking to the lock keepers at Teddington today, the slum boats appear to have moved a short distance along the bank and are now carrying on business as usual.
 
More regular patrols of EA boats on the river. I cannot remember the last time I saw an EA boat on the river! In the Old days they were always around, now the itinerants do as they like because there's no one to chase them.
 
The patrol boats are still out there but inevitably not always visible when you go out. It's simple economics, the waterways budget has been cut as B1 has mentioned often, headcount has dropped, there are far fewer patrol officers so there are fewer patrols. QED.
 
AuntyRinum said:
Talking to the lock keepers at Teddington today, the slum boats appear to have moved a short distance along the bank and are now carrying on business as usual.
Click to expand...
Are they still on the lock moorings or are they upstream?
I walked along the towpath on Saturday and at the spot where Trotmans hotel complex was moored, you can see a lot of material in the water. A gate barrier from the path, chairs, fire extinguishers bits of metal, all sorts. The local residents are fed up with the mountains of crap those boats produce, what he doesn't dump in the river ends up on
Ham Lands Nature Reserve. You'd think the 'Environment' Agency would be trying to prosecute him for more than just squatting.
 
In that case, they haven't moved since they arrived.
I hope the CCTV catches a bucket or two going overboard. The occupants of his last boat were known to dig the odd hole in the woods:ambivalence:
On a similar note, the flotilla between Molesey and Sunbury(unrelated to Trotman)is being blamed for an epidemic of nasty stomach illnesses, suffered by those who had been swimming downstream of it. Even dogs have become ill after swimming in that area.:disgust:
 
teddington_lock said:
This is not correct I'm afraid.

They are on the lock lay by. Towards the top end granted, but still on the lock lay by.

I went by them on a boat today , and work opposite.
Click to expand...
Apologies. I thought that might be the case but couldn't be bothered to walk up and check. It was hard to tell as I passed in the layby. I moved into the tidal Thames today so won't be able to go back and double check, but no doubt you are correct.
 
bumperdump said:
Immigrants stay on the boats, article 50 now:encouragement:
Click to expand...

Ah, not entirely correct. I have dealt with most of the occupants of the so-called 'slum boats' over the last 5 years. There might be the odd economic migrant from the EU but you will find that the vast majority are UK nationals. Of these, some choose the lifestyle, some are working but can't afford local or SW London rents and some have substance dependency and mental health problems.

A.50 won't make a scrap of difference to this as it's a social problem.
 
Ouch. I must admit to having imagined that the Authorities who worked together so long and hard too obtain the court order in July would have considered what would happen next. Maybe there was no way the order could have been worded to cover the lock layby, but I would be disappointed if it transpires that the EA didn't think this might happen and at least try to pre-empt it.
 
Alan ashore said:
Ouch. I must admit to having imagined that the Authorities who worked together so long and hard too obtain the court order in July would have considered what would happen next. Maybe there was no way the order could have been worded to cover the lock layby, but I would be disappointed if it transpires that the EA didn't think this might happen and at least try to pre-empt it.
Click to expand...

Various pressure groups and local residents have encouraged the local councils to act but this has become merely a displacement exercise. Apart from the 'hotel' boats, most that were above Teddington lock are now below Sunbury lock, as you will know. The EA has the necessary legislation to tackle the wrecks, overstaying and trespass on its property but lacks the resource to enable a speedy resolution. And, that will only be another displacement exercise when it comes.

The reality is that none of the authorities are seeking a long term solution, only to push the problem elsewhere. As I said, this is a social problem and not one that the EA is empowered to resolve.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top