There was a time when it was no longer enjoyable to sit in Waterman's Park due to the never-ending thud of a generator on one of the more ramshackle boats. A good number of boats have been abandoned over the years and left to fall apart which is both an eyesore and, no doubt, dangerous to other river users. I have also been in the park more recently when cars have been driven in to unload.
On the other hand, I must admit that I do find the boats quite an interesting addition to the waterfront. What I don't understand is that if the occupiers don't have permission to moor there etc., why were they allowed to stay for so long? I have lived in Brentford for 30 years now and the boats started arriving - a trickle at first - about 20 years ago. Would the Council need some sort of order to ask the occupants to go and if they didn't go (taking their boats with them), what would then happen? Finally, why was this all left for so long? |