New mooring arrangements are being introduced by East Cambridgeshire District Council to the riverside in Ely from Monday 7 September to ensure visiting boats can access spaces and enjoy the historic city.

Following an extensive consultation with boating organisations, businesses and local residents, the new scheme, allows boats to moor for free for 48 hours with then no return for 48 hours.

The aim of the new arrangements is to address the concerns of boaters who have told the Council they have been unable to visit Ely as the moorings are frequently full – particularly during the boating season.

If anyone stays longer or returns before 48 hours has elapsed - they will be issued with a Mooring Charge Notice of £100 per 24 hour stay. This is reduced to £70 if the charge is paid within 14 days of the Mooring Charge Notice being issued. If the mooring charge is not paid within 28 days, the Council will commence debt recovery action (including court action) which will incur further costs.

The contractual terms of the new arrangements will be set out on signage along the length of the District Council’s moorings between Annesdale and Willow Walk, Ely.

Full information is available at http://www.visitely.org.uk/content/ecdc-owned-moorings.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, Chairman of the Commercial Services Committee, said: “Ely and its riverside are a very popular destination for tourists and boat owners who visit our world famous city and bring in much needed business to local shops and restaurants. This is why the District Council has worked incredibly hard over the last few months to develop mooring arrangements which meet the needs of the many who enjoy and benefit from Ely’s Riverside. Our recent consultation suggested visitor moorings which were free of charge for 48 hours, and specified a ‘no-return’ period for 48 hours would be the best.

“The Council would like to encourage more boaters to visit Ely and ensure that moorings are available when boaters arrive. The new arrangement balances the need for a regular turnover of boaters, while allowing an adequate length of stay for people to enjoy the facilities and visitor attractions Ely has to offer. We will constantly monitor which boats are within the 48 mooring area, when they arrive and move on. We are sure the vast majority of boaters will continue to moor responsibly and consider the needs of other river users so that everyone can enjoy the charms of Ely."

For more information please visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk or call 01353 665555.