Sonning moorings

[thamesS23]

Just on our return leg of the holiday and currently moored at Sonning (on Uri Gellers side)' and have noticed that the free moorings on the opposite side are no longer available.
They have removed all the bushes and over hanging trees, totally re-done the path on that side, and then put up signs saying 'private property, strictly no mooring'.
I always assumed that it was a free EA mooring on that side, now it seems that you can only moor in Sonning by paying £10, which although doesn't really affect me as I always moored this side.
Maybe it was the locals way of getting rid off the more permanent canal barges that often moored there?

Anyone know?

 

[TrueBlue]

Somebody - ? local council? has spent a lorra money in rebuilding the bankside - and which precludes anyone driving in mooring pins on what is now a posh towpath.

Such a pity as it was a nice place to moor overnight.

Increasing pressure by "long stay folk" generally has, I suspect made riparian owners think twice about encouraging boats to moor. Still it's their right and nobody has a duty to provide moorings.
Doubtless folks opposite have had their say when whatever was planned was discussed at a local level.

 

[Ramage]

Presumably one could anchor there?

 

[Sometime]

Are the moorings still free the other side of the lock?

 

[Brayman]

Are the moorings still free the other side of the lock?

Yes for 24 hours (!), those are the EA moorings.

 

[watson1959]

Are the moorings still free the other side of the lock?

They are and long stretches between Sonning and Thames Valley Park (the open spaces upstream from Sonning) were also cleared of bushes/saplings over the winter. It has really helped open up additional mooring space

 

[miket]

If Sonning don't want boaters, there are plenty that do.
EA moorings above the lock on port bank are ok. Possibly a bit shallow, but easy walk into the village.
As for eating in Sonning, there are only 2 places I would bother with and that is the Bull and the Theatre.
I have heard that the French Horn is less pricey lunch time and very good.
I have eaten at the White Hart twice over the last 20 years (last time 12 months ago and on both occasions it was a shambles.
Not sure if the pricey Indian in the old Post Office is still open.
No shops in Sonning.