Sadly some of the vessels at Watermans park are in need of a retrofit.
But the proposed project that is being put forward to the council, by the boat owners and their investors, has an in depth 'refit & refurb' program for all vessels looking to stay at Watermans Park.
They admit that some of the boats need replacing and restoring and are happy to do the work. they want a better environment in watermans park as much as everyone else.
The boat owners have tried for years to legitimise the moorings and have also tried to pay council tax, but have been refused. I know though that boats towards the eastern end of the park pay council tax, have an official postcode, address, electric supply, water and services.
The boat owners are not arguing that the boats need restoration, what they are arguing is that they have a design that is far better for the environment, the borough, the park and the community - than the councils plan. A design that would cost less than the tax payer money in legal fees the council has put aside to evict the current boat owners. which is £2.5m by the way.
you should check out their website. i know its still under construction but a lot of the information is already there about how bad the councils project is, not just for them, but for the whole area. i think it goes properly lice this weekend.
www.watermansparkmoorings.co.uk