'Dangerous' abandoned canal boats removed

A charity has removed abandoned boats along a stretch of water in Derbyshire following concerns about the danger they posed to the public.

Volunteers had raised concerns about five boats left along the 12-mile (19km) section of the Erewash Canal, which runs from Trent Lock in Sawley to Langley Mill in Amber Valley.

All of the boats have now been removed by the Canal and River Trust, which is responsible for canals and rivers in England and Wales.

A spokesperson for the trust said the final three boats removed at the end of November were in a "sorry state".

Labour MP for Erewash, Adam Thompson, previously visited the canal and pledged to work with the trust to get the "dangerous boats removed".

Glyn Stenson, vice-chairman of the Erewash Canal Association and manager of the nearby Sandiacre Lock Cottages, had said: "Children, being children, just love to climb on the boats and have fun, but at the end of the day it's very dangerous."

A spokesperson for the trust said two of the boats were refloated with special inflatable bags and towed to a marina in Long Eaton.

"A third was in a very poor condition, and had obviously been on fire at some point, so was cut up into smaller sections on-site and removed," the spokesperson said.

"It's really sad to see the boats in this state, but removing them helps to improve the look of the canal, and make sure it's a safe place for people and wildlife."

The boats were loaded into a lorry and taken away for disposal after being removed from the canal, with each removal taking roughly a day.

While no details on costs could be provided, the trust had previously said that it could be as high as £10,000 per boat.

Stenson said he was now more optimistic about the future of the canal amid increasing numbers seeking to access it.

"It is a very good example of collaboration and partnership," he said, citing communication between the association, the trust and the local MP.

"People are relieved... it's safer passage for boaters, the canals are extensively used.

"There were several dangers, danger for children... boats hitting debris.

"People care about the environment and seeing sunken boats and debris and rubbish is a concern for many.

"More boaters will use the canal, and walkers, birdwatchers and cyclists will enjoy all its benefits."

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