Purton Hulks again in danger

ONCE again the Purton Hulks are in danger, for Natural England, that is supposed to protect such things, has revealed that much of the hulks are not protected.

Boaters cruising the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal will most likely have noticed the collection of discarded  vessels lining the banks of the Severn at Purton.

Largest collection

These are acknowledged as the largest collection of timber, steel and concrete vessels anywhere in the British Isles, but a recent announcement by Natural England, the body responsible for the nation's open spaces and environment, revealed that much of the hulks were not protected from either damage or vandalism.

So once again heritage campaigners believe the fate of the Purton Hulks is in jeopardy, the Friends of Purton, a volunteer group set up to monitor and research the site, have received the unwelcome news that only the parts of the hulks that are underground are protected, anything exposed over ground is not protected.

Dwindling maritime heritage

Chairman of the Friends of Purton, Paul Barnett, (pictured with Harriet) complained:

"This historic stand by Natural England should be used as an example to all stakeholders, be it British Waterways, Hinton Parish Council, Stroud District Council, English Heritage or the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt himself, who all continue to stand by, in the falsehood that someone else will come to the aid of our dwindling maritime heritage."

Vandals busy

Already the vandals are busy, for one of two vessels involved in the Severn Rail Bridge disaster, was found to have been ransacked for various items onboard. The vandals realising the act was not illegal as the vessel did not have any formal protection.

The excuse giving in Natural England speak by Gerry Hamersley, South West Area Manager at Natural England:

"As there is no likely impact on the wildlife interest of the site Natural England would not be able to take action to prevent impact."

Paul however is calling for a Parliamentary Review of the situation before it is all destroyed.