CALLS have been made for the wrecks "littered up and down" the River Itchen in Southampton to be removed sooner than planned.

The city's so-called 'boat graveyard' has been branded an eyesore by one Southampton boat club captain, who believes the abandoned boats scattered down the Itchen are "giving the wrong impression".

James Wardle, of St Denys Boat Club, said the "boat graveyard and other abandoned boats littered up and down the river are a bit of an eyesore".

He raised concerns about newcomers and the impression the boats near Northam Bridge give off.

He said: "Many new kayakers and paddleboards are put off using the river as the abandoned boats give the impression the river is dirty and dangerous when in reality it's never been cleaner or safer.

"Abandoned boats are not a new thing, some of the boats further up the river have been there for at least 40 years - and perhaps even post-war."

James did however praise port operator ABP for its work at discouraging new unlicenced moorings, which means the problem is not getting worse.

"We appreciate the complex technical, environmental, and legal difficulties ABP face in getting rid of these abandoned boats," he added.

"But it would be great to see them gone sooner.

"Perhaps if Southampton wins the City of Culture bid, where we have lots of river-based activities and events planned, this will be a catalyst to get the clean-up going faster."

ABP has confirmed it has identified a number of abandoned vessels south east of the Northam Bridge and has started to issue 28-day removal notices on them.

This means work is due to start in April to remove them.

A number of smaller wrecks either side of the bridge that fall outside of the navigational channel have been identified by ABP. These require specific licencing by the Environment Agency to remove.

A spokesperson from ABP said: "There are also a number of larger and complex sunken wrecks west of the Northam Bridge which we are working with an external contractor to remove.

"We are finalising scope at present and hope to begin work in May to remove a further six vessels. "Some vessels are on Crown Estate land, and we are working in partnership with the Crown Estate to facilitate their removal."

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