For too long, illegal moorings have been a blight along the Thames riverbank in Elmbridge and a key concern for local residents.
I have consistently favoured the removal of illegal moorings through a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). In 2019, I formally requested that Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) pursue the implementation of a PSPO as soon as possible.
Despite four years of dither and delay, following pressure from myself and the Conservative group at Elmbridge Borough Council led by Cllr John Cope, the Council has now reversed its position and voted to accept my proposal to tackle illegal moorings properly with a PSPO. This is fantastic news for riverside residents and river users who can now expect to see proper enforcement against illegal moorings on council owned land.
As the Environment Agency also own a considerable stretch of the riverbank in Elmbridge, I will continue to work with both EBC and the Environment Agency to see both organisations taking a joined-up approach to enforcement. You can read more about our work to tackle illegal moorings here.
