SOUTHAMPTON'S 'boat graveyard is now one step closer to being cleared, officials say.

City residents have described wreckages in the Itchen as an 'eyesore'.

Calls were previously made to have abandoned and derelict boats near Northam Bridge cleared after locals said the problem seemed to be getting worse.

During Storm Eunice in February, at least two of the vessels were capsized meaning they are barely visible at high-tide.

Associated British Ports (ABP), which manages the area, has said that teams have made efforts since the recent storms clear the obstructions, which included a semi-sunken motorboat at Town Quay.

They say that since the summer of 2021, six of the wrecked boats at the "graveyard" have been cleared as part of the ongoing programme.

Due to the nature of removing the vessels, it is no easy feat to clear the river, they say.

A spokesperson from ABP told the Daily Echo: "Following the recent storms our teams have been focused across the port area to clear address storm damage, including any damaged boats posing an obstruction.

"Our maintenance and recovery vessel Spartina has recovered two vessels in the district, together with semi-sunken motorboat at Town Quay.

"Six wrecked vessels have been cleared since the summer of 2021 as part of an ongoing programme. This operation prioritises vessels that are navigationally hazardous, and takes into account many factors, including making sure there are no contaminants on board and that everything is disposed of in the right way."

A photo posted on social media last year of some of the newer additions to what was described as the city’s “ship graveyard” gained over a hundred likes and multiple comments.

One commenter said: “What an eyesore,” with another adding “I love the River Itchen but that end of the river looks dreadful.”

“Not a great advert for the city - nobody should have to look at these eyesores,” posted another.