Weeds on the Witham stop boat trips

THE Boston Belle cruiser is often seen taking people on trips on the Witham.

But at the moment the amount of weeds on the river is severely affecting the trips, Janet Friend reports.

Operated by Rodney Bowles he believes he could easily loose his business as the weeds multiply at an alarming rate, but nothing is done about them, he telling 'it's a nightmare'.

Specialist boat

In the past the weeds were cleared by a specialised boat, pictured, but not any more, with the weeds forming a thick 'carpet' over the water making cruising ner impossible.

He tells he has been on the river all his life but the weeds are so bad that unless they are cleared he feels he may have to stop operating his Boston Belle pleasure cruiser.

Of the growth Canal & River Trust explain that warming climate and nutrient rich water had provided ideal growing conditions, but it was taking action to use the sluices to flush the weed from the river. It obviously cannot be soon enough for Rodney.