Trespassing boat owners in West Molesey who moored permanently on the River Thames have lost a court appeal following complaints by local residents.
The High Court has rejected an appeal by boat owners after civil proceedings were brought by the Environment Agency against the owners of 10 boats near Hampton Court Palace in West Molesey.
Three of the owners accepted a Staines County Court 2024 ruling of trespass and moved on. However, seven boat owners took up the matter in the courts.
Local residents said the illegal moorings have created a two-tiered system between those who pay to moor on the river and those who are not.
Barnaby Chapman, a resident, said: “It’s a big problem. It’s an eyesore.
“It’s a real mess. They get a boat, live on it and when it’s about to sink they leave it and leave all their rubbish.”
The 45-year-old father said the Environment Agency has been inefficient in enforcing the rules of the river.
“There have been thefts, stealing electricity, bits from people’s gardens and dumping rubbish,” he said.
“We have had someone in our garden rooting around in our skip.”
Boats are only permitted to stop on the River Thames for up to 24 hours at short-stay mooring points but in West Molesey boats remained for years and became known locally as ‘slum boats’.
The Environment Agency said their refusal to move obstructed others including holidaymakers from stopping at the riverbank.
In April 2024, Staines County Court ruled that the vessels were trespassing.
Judge Jonathan Simpkiss said that the Environment Agency could legally remove them and that boats stationed permanently would change the character of the river.
The owners challenged the ruling and said they would become homeless but senior judges backed the original decision.
Chapman said: “What really frustrates people is that for legitimate boat users there are huge costs but they get to just do what they want.”
Kevin Wincup, councillor for East Molesey, said: “While I recognise the concerns of those affected, the court’s decision affirms the Environment Agency’s role in managing the waterway, protecting public navigation, and preserving the natural character of the area.
“We remain committed to supporting our residents and will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with all parties to ensure a fair and appropriate resolution for those impacted by this decision.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We agree and sympathise with Chapman on the state of the boats moored illegally at West Molesey.
“This case, which has progressed through the courts, is an example of our tough action.
“We encourage responsible boat ownership, including paying annual registration and mooring fees that help fund the river and the services we provide to boats.
“Where people do not comply, prosecution may result. We have removed dozens of unregistered boats over the years, including recently – and will continue to do so.”
The Environment Agency said it took the boaters to court for trespass and welcomed the High Court’s rejection of their appeal.
The trespassers have until late March to appeal the High Court judgement but if no appeal is lodged, the original judgement by Staines county court will come into force and the remaining boats will be moved, the EA said.
The trespassing boat moorers were approached for comment.
Featured image credit: Alice Lilley
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