A boater has been removed from the Kennet and Avon Canal following a long legal battle.
The Canal and River Trust (CRT) cancelled George Ward’s licences when he was accused of being threatening and abusive towards staff some years ago – but he has failed to leave the waterway.
Despite repeated attempts to evict him, he has remained in the Bradford on Avon area. In the CRT’s last attempt to remove him in April, armed police were called to the scene.
Today (Thursday), enforcement agents, supported by Wiltshire Police officers, attended the site and removed Mr Ward – and all his possessions – from his boat.
The CRT proceeded to seize his boat from the network, leaving Mr Ward homeless and sitting on the towpath alongside everything he owns.
It’s unclear where Mr Ward will go from here.
