Trespassing boat owners on Thames lose battle to stay

Trespassing boat owners who moored permanently on the River Thames have lost their battle to stay.

The High Court rejected an appeal after civil proceedings were brought by the Environment Agency (EA) against the owners of 10 boats near Hampton Court Palace in West Molesey, Surrey.

Three of the owners accepted a Staines County Court 2024 ruling of trespass and moved on. However, seven others took up the matter in the courts.

Boats are only permitted to stop on the River Thames for up to 24 hours at short-stay mooring points. But in West Molesey, some remained for years, becoming known as "slum boats".

The EA said their refusal to move obstructed others from stopping.

In April 2024, Staines County Court ruled that the vessels were trespassing, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Judge Jonathan Simpkiss said that the EA could remove them, adding that boats stationed permanently would change the river's character.

The owners challenged the ruling, claiming they would become homeless. But senior judges backed the original decision.

Colin Chiverton, of the EA, said: "We took this case to court to protect the public rights of navigation and mooring for everyone on the River Thames.

"The ability to stop at designated short-stay locations or other selected parts of the Thames for up to 24 hours allows for crews to refresh, recharge and refuel, but the boat-owners in this case refused to move, blocking others from docking.

"Whether it's registration or mooring fees, everyone should pay their way on the river, helping to fund maintenance, services and facilities."

Boaters mooring at West Molesey will be made aware that a possession order is in place and that the EA owns the land.

Mr Justice Bourne said that the EA also had the right to reclaim the riverbed and take possession of the land.

The seven boat owners have six weeks to apply for permission to appeal the judgement.

If unsuccessful, they will have to move their boats. Should they fail to do so, the EA can have them removed.

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