Water skiers and speedboats cause a wash which can affect wildlife

A number of organisations have expressed their concern about the number of speeding boats and illegal water skiers who use the Avon river during the summer.

Now, with the help of funding from South Hams District Council, a patrol officer will make sure all water users observe the by-laws.

Former Bantham harbourmaster Neil Schroeter will use a radar gun to deter would-be speeding boats or skiers.

The maximum speed limit for vessels on the river, without the prior written consent of the council, is eight knots per hour.

The wash caused by speeders can have detrimental affects on wildlife, as well as erode the river banks.