Canoeists’ row at plans to redevelop pontoon

9:08am Wednesday 28th February 2007

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A proposed pontoon has been making waves among furious rowers and riverbank residents.

The plans, approved by Richmond upon Thames Council last week, will see an existing pontoon by Kew Bridge extended by 27 metres and various other extension and replacement works on other sections of the landing stage.

But a row broke out on the peaceful riverfront when it became clear houseboats were to be introduced to the landing area, a move which rowing clubs claim could damage access for canoeists.

Catherine Durucan, who lives in Kreisel Walk, just metres from the pontoon, said: "They will be putting in five new large steel poles and the structure will be strong enough for large boats.

"This stretch of the Thames is like the nursery in the rowing sport so they really value it.

"The type of boats that will be moored there in the future will be different - it has been used in the past for leisure boats but the new owner has applied for residential permits.

"If houseboats are going to be anchored here we do have some concerns about management and the waste and sewage disposal - it could also attract vermin.

"There are also concerns with the ecology if large boats are anchored there. They will be against the flood defences which protect our houses and protect Kew Green.

"This is a very beautiful environment and a very fragile ecosystem and we do not want to see something ruining it."

Bill Mitchell, president of the Thames Regional Rowing Council, said: "We are very unhappy about the decision.

"The proposed structure will be very different in size and purpose from that which it supposedly replaces.

"We feel the council has shown scant regard for the increased hazards which will inevitably result from such a structure and its effects at a critical point for navigational safety.

"We are very disappointed at the council's attitude to the safety of our members and will of course be monitoring the situation carefully."