Visitor moorings return to Gloucester Docks
Local businesses saw their footfall drop by 40% due to problems stopping boats from mooring
Last updated 10th May 2023
The Canal & River Trust says visitor moorings in Gloucester Docks are once again available following progress made with dredging built up silt.
A public meeting had been held after siltation levels had resulted in a loss of football for many of the docks' businesses.
On Toast Cafe Owner, David Purchase, and Gloucester Brewery said they lost 40% of their expected revenue over the Easter Bank Holiday.
A £1 million programme to dredge the docks has so far removed near to seven and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools of siltation.
The high levels of silt is said to have been caused by Bristol Water needing to provide the River Severn with water during the exceptionally dry summer in 2022.
Molly Richards, area operations manager for the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, said: "We are pleased to have re-opened the visitor moorings for boats in the Docks.
With dredging ongoing until early June, and a further programme starting in September, the Trust’s team is on-hand to advise visiting boats the best place to moor.”