Purton Hulks uncertain future

DESPITE the efforts to protect the Purton Hulks on the Severn, a meeting to decide their fate brought no progress.

Heritage campaigner, Paul Barnett, who has been fighting for protection for the historic hulks tells us that the public meeting held to discuss their future  was a ‘farce'.

Missed opportunity

He maintained it was a missed opportunity for all the relevant bodies to discuss the hulks, that are discarded vessels on the shore of the Severn at Purton, near Sharpness.

Though some of the vessels have been given protection and the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),  Friends of Purton would like the whole site to be protected as a maritime heritage for people to enjoy in years to come.

'No one cares'

The chairman, Mr. Carmichael, complained:

"I am horrified, yet again no one cares that we are squandering our heritage. We don't want this place turned into a tourist attraction, quite the opposite we want it to be protected so that future generations can visit and look at the hulks."

"We made some ground in getting British Waterways and the local parish council talking to each other about the management of the site and public conveniences."