THE city council has offered to carry out additional outreach visits to people potentially living in wrecked boats on a Southampton river - as they are set to be removed.

The boats have been seen in the River Itchen around Northam bridge “for years” and are set to be removed following a push from residents and local councillors last week.

Daily Echo:

In discussions leading up the agreement of Associated British Ports (ABP) to remove the vessels, it was suggested that homeless people may live on the boats.

Conservative Councillor for Bitterne Park Rob Harwood said “people living on [the boats] put themselves in daily danger.”

In response to questions from the Echo about the issue and provisions for homeless people, a spokesperson for SCC said: “The removal of the abandoned boats is being led by the Port Authority and the harbour master.

“Southampton City Council is being consulted on the proposed actions and we have offered to carry out additional outreach visits to the area so we can engage with anyone who may be sleeping rough in the vicinity.”

Currently no date has been given by ABP for the vessels’ removal due to “health and safety protocols.”

n People needing emergency shelter can attend charity Two Saint’s Homeless Day Centre at 30 Cranbury Avenue, Southampton SO14 0LT. For advice about homelessness and housing options, contact SCC’s Emergency Housing department on 023 8083 2327 or email homelessness.advice@southampton.gov.uk.