Public liability could stop boating on the Mere
Ellsemere councillors have looked into the possibility of allowing private boats onto the Mere. The council who own half the boating rights are reviewing the draft proposal from Shropshire County service.
The draft proposal includes having to provide proof of
public liability insurance, restricting the number of boats to three and issuing free licenses but charging for every time the boat is launched.
Ellesmere Mayor, Councillor Geoff Elner said: "I support people using the Mere for recreation but there would be no policing, who is to say who is there first, and who is responsible if someone died, there are so many health and safety issues to consider."
Some other concerns which the councillors raised are the fact that there will be trailers and boats where children play, the fact that there are no rescue facilities and just how liable will the council be if an accident was to happen.
The councillors have voted to investigate the matter further, reiterating the fact that they will have to be a 100 percent convinced on matters of safety and liability.
Updated on 17/07/2008