Overstay boats on the Thames
Overstay boats on the Thames
The problem of overstay boats moored illegally along our patch of the River Thames from Thames Ditton, through Molesey down to Walton has blighted residents’ enjoyment of the river for a long time. Local businesses and clubs using the river have also been affected. Over the past couple of months I have spoken to residents, local businesses and community groups and spent time with local groups who are experiencing this and are committed to finding a solution including the Molesey Resident Action Group, Friends of Hurst Park and the Maritime Volunteer Agency. The problem is burgeoning – there are around 185 overstay boats there now – some public areas of the bank have been fenced off illegally, leisure boats and other craft are unable to launch, and many residents no longer use the tow path.
It is outrageous, and very disappointing that nothing has been done. Esher and Walton residents have been let down for years and years. It destroys faith in the system.
When I was a candidate I committed to doing something about it. So in the first couple of weeks after being elected as your MP I wrote to the new Minister for the Environment and the CEO of the Environment Agency to get some action. Here are my letters:
Letter to the Environment Agency
Letter to the Minister
I’ve had a full briefing from the Leader and CEO of Elmbridge Borough Council.
As a result I’ve had commitment from the Minister and from the Environment Agency that they are developing a detailed action plan for the Elmbridge area…with clear steps for enforcement.
You can see their letters in response here:
Response from the Environment Agency
Response from the Minister
I’m meeting with the Environment Agency to see what this action plan looks like and will be holding them to their commitment going forward.
Let’s see what happens next.