PEOPLE living on the so-called "pirate island" in the River Itchen have said they "just want to live differently".

Boat dwellers off the Northam Bridge are facing eviction as they are blocking port authority ABP's clear-up of wrecks on the stretch of the river.

ABP told the Echo its workers have faced abusive behaviour, with one larger vessel spray-painted with offensive slogans aimed at the company.

The occupants of the boats are claiming adverse possession, which could allow them to claim ownership.

Kyrian O'Brien, who lives on one of the boats, told the Echo they are occupied by a homeless community.

"The guys that are down there regularly cleaned up the river and removed wrecks and disposed of them trading the scrap in the scrap yard," Kyrian said.

"They are using the money to pay for the disposal of other rubbish out of their own pockets.

"If people were to actually go and talk to them instead of judging them off the bat then people would realise they just want to live differently."

READ MORE: Squatters on 'pirate island' boats in River Itchen, Southampton block work to clear eyesore wrecks

The squatters say they should not be pushed out of "their home" by ABP.

Kyrian added: "ABP is threatening to destroy long-standing live-aboard residence boats.

"ABP is adding to Southampton's homelessness crisis.

"I know 90 per cent of the people living on the boats have either bought or been given these boats, or salvaged them.

"Why is a for-profit company being allowed to treat the people that live on these boats, (as if they are) not like real people?

"Why is it acceptable that they are treated this way for years? ABP has been harassing these people by leaving notices threatening destruction or prosecution." 

Another boat dweller, who wanted to be referred to as Rickie Lambert, said: "There are lots of homeless people living on the boats."

He added: "It's (down to) lost confidence in the way the country is run. Some of them have lived there for donkey's years."

ABP has reported the issue to Hampshire police. Officers said they are aware of ongoing incidents.

The offensive graffiti on one of the boats has now been cleared.

A spokesperson from ABP said: "The vessel which had the offensive graffiti on it has now been painted over/cleaned up due to complaints."

Southampton City Council provides homelessness advice & housing options for people under threat of homelessness. 

For more information contact homelessness.advice@southampton.gov.uk or call 023 8083 2327.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook