Boaters beware as new penalties are brought in along Ely’s riverside

Rachel Gormley and David Heighway will manage East Cambridgeshire District Council’s moorings and ensure visiting boats can access spaces and enjoy the historic city.

The new scheme introduced on Monday (September 7), allows boats to moor for free for 48 hours with no return for 48 hours. It was introduced following extensive consultation with boating organisations, businesses and local residents.

The aim of the new arrangements is to address concerns of boaters who have told the Council they have been unable to visit Ely as the moorings are frequently full – particularly during the boating season.

If anyone stays longer or returns before 48 hours has elapsed - they will be issued with a mooring charge notice of £100 per 24 hour stay. This is reduced to £70 if the charge is paid within 14 days of the notice being issued. If the mooring charge is not paid within 28 days, the council will commence debt recovery action (including court action) which will incur further costs.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, chairman of the commercial services committee, said: “It was great to meet Rachel and David as they get to know our lovely riverside and understand the important role they have. The area is a very popular destination for tourists and boat owners who visit our world famous city and bring in much needed business to local shops and restaurants. The new mooring arrangements have been developed with the help and support of the residents, businesses and boaters who enjoy and benefit from Ely’s riverside. We hope they will help to keep the area a vibrant and special place for the years ahead.”

The contractual terms for the new arrangements have been set out on signage along the length of the district council’s moorings between Annesdale and Willow Walk, Ely.

Full information is available at http://www.visitely.org.uk/content/ecdc-owned-moorings.

For more information please visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk or call 01353 665555.