This petition is as a result of Canal and Rivers Trust’s (CRT) instruction to boat owners to remove their boats by 31st January 2021 as they have given notice to Somerset County Council to end their lease.
We oppose this request on the grounds that:
The request is premature whilst discussions are ongoing to try to secure a successful future for the docks, which includes retention of the boats and moorings.
We are significantly concerned that instructing boat owners to find other moorings whilst Coronavirus persists potentially causes risk to health, especially as movements to other areas is restricted and options to move locally are non-existent.
Why is this important?
Bridgwater Docks is a unique environment and the boating community brings life and purpose to the docks which is hugely valued by everyone within the town.
If this listed site is abandoned and left to decay will eventually become unsafe and an eyesore in the area and for the community.
We, the undersigned, therefore feel strongly that the boats must remain in Bridgwater Docks and ask that Somerset County Council instruct Canal and Rivers Trust to rescind their notice to boat owners to move their boats by 31st January 2021.
Until all other avenues have been exhausted.
