River enforcement operation

Officers from the Environment Agency, Elmbridge Borough Council, Surrey Police and Surrey County Council have conducted a joint enforcement operation along two stretches of the River Thames in Elmbridge around Cigarette Island and Hurst Park in Molesey this morning.

Two large vessels and an associated smaller vessel that have been moored without permission for a considerable time have been removed and will be scrapped, trespass notices have been served, sunken vessels surveyed for future removal, fly-tipping enforcement notices served, warnings issued to remove possessions, and registrations checked in a joint operation to ensure use legal and respectful use of the river. Further action is planned to follow up in the coming weeks.

This enforcement operation was led by the Environment Agency and Elmbridge Borough Council with support from Surrey Police.

Councillor Mike Rollings, Leader, Elmbridge Borough Council:

“For many years Elmbridge residents living on or near the river in Molesey have been disturbed by the unauthorised moorings along this stretch of the River Thames. They have campaigned to Elmbridge Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Surrey Police, and national government for increased action to remedy the situation of unauthorised moorings. This morning, we were able to deliver the type of enforcement action needed to ensure our rivers are used safely and legally.

“Thank you to the Environment Agency, Surrey Police, the RSPCA and Surrey County Council for their support with this action.”

Advice and guidance on boat registration, oil and waste disposal and homelessness were also provided to the boat dwellers present on their vessels this morning.