EA criticised for sale of Ely moorings

The EA has come under fire from the IWA and from local firms over the intended sale of riverside moorings on the Great Ouse in Ely, Cambridgeshire. 

Above, the River Great Ouse in Ely

Update: On January 16th 2018 IWA reported their campaign had achieved a successful result. East Cambridgeshire District Council will be buying the land meaning the land will remain in public ownership which should bring a more secure future to the three waterway-related businesses based at the site. 

Three riverside plots are up for sale for a total of £195,000. An EA (Environment Agency) spokesperson said: “The land is being sold as it is no longer required by the Environment Agency. Government rules state that, all surplus land and property should be disposed of in a way that achieves the best value for the taxpayer.”

The IWA has written to Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of EA, to ask him to withdraw the sale of three lengths of moorings in Ely ahead of the advertised closing date for sealed bids of 8th September. The plots amount to over 300 metres of river frontage in total and IWA considers that disposing of this land is extremely short-sighted given that the businesses and moorings at this location bring in an income to EA as the navigation authority.

IWA is also extremely concerned at the impact the sale will have on the three waterway-related businesses based on the site: Bridge Boatyard, which has been operating for over 40 years and which is now the only holiday boat hire company on the River Great Ouse, hotel barge Water Nimf and The Boat Yard boat restoration business. Bridge Boatyard brings between 2000 and 2500 people on to the river each year on their hire boats, the loss of which would have a serious effect on the tourism and leisure use of the river and consequently on the economy of Ely and other towns and villages along the river through loss of visitor spend. They consider that the moorings at the site are essential for income and the future sustainability of the river, and that the land should therefore be retained in EA ownership.

IWA National Chairman, Les Etheridge, said “IWA considers that EA has a statutory duty, through the Anglian Water Authority Act 1977, to support recreational use of the River Great Ouse, not to hinder it. Whether the Environment Agency continues to be the navigation authority or whether these waterways are transferred to CRT, we think that ongoing income is essential in preventing further asset deterioration and waterway closures, and in optimising the leisure, tourism, health, well-being and economic benefits of these waterways.”

As well as asking for the sale of these three moorings to be withdrawn, IWA has also asked Sir James for details of any other land, property or assets being considered for disposal elsewhere on the River Great Ouse, or on any other navigation run by the EA. Where these are providing an income to EA or being used for moorings, IWA considers that they should be retained for long term benefit. In addition to writing to EA, IWA has also written to local MPs and district and county council leaders, many of whom have also stated their concern at the implications of the sale. Members and supporters have also written to their MPs objecting to the proposed sale. Local waterway organisations such as the East Anglian Waterways Association are also campaigning about this issue.

Further information and a template for anybody wishing to write can be found on the IWA Website.

Thanks to the IWA for information and Bridge Boatyard for the moorings image.