The Floaty Boat Fund is raising money to help boaters affected by the sinkings and strandings on the River Avon following the failure of the Environment Agency’s (EA) sluice gate at Twerton on 15th September. While the fund cannot offer financial support to individuals, money raised will be used to provide appropriate support. You can donate here:
A friend of James, whose home was sunk, has started a fundraiser to help him repair his boat. You can donate here:
https://uk.gofundme.com/f/james039-lost-houseboat-fund
Boaters affected by the sinkings and strandings can claim compensation from the Environment Agency, who say that “If you believe you have a reasonable and legitimate claim please notify us via the following email address, with TWERTON INCIDENT as the subject”:
Estates-SW-Thames@environment-agency.gov.uk
If you prefer to claim via your insurance company you can pass the above email address to your insurer. If you claim compensation, make sure that you include a claim for loss of earnings if you have been unable to go to work due to the incident and have not been paid for your time off.
The boats have now been re-floated; the river level is back to normal and has re-opened for navigation. The EA is monitoring the operation of the sluice gate 24 hours a day at present. The Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service will be on site until Thursday 24th September.
There are still boats whose owners have not been in contact. If you know of anyone who owns a boat that was affected, please encourage them to either contact the EA on 03708 506506 or Emily from the Julian House team on 07946 200271. Julian House will also hold a drop-in session at the Locksbrook Arms on Monday 28th September at 10am to noon.
Below are the EA updates from 18th September to 1st October.
Tags: appeal, BANES Council, Bath, compensation, continuous cruising, donation, Environment Agency, Floaty Boat Fund, Julian House, liveaboards, River Avon, River Canal Rescue, safety, Travelling Community Support Service