Canal narrow-boat Lift at Saint Mary's Marina, Ormskirk. Tug is being removed by Scania 4-SRS L-class T124LA 6x2 420 SLP. specialist transporters, special-purpose vehicles, from the Leeds Liverpool Canal for transportation to the Midland waterways after being sold. This is an expensive operation for the owners with fees in the range of £600 for the lift, and upwards of £1000 for the transportation south by a specialist heavy-duty Scania Super truck.
"While some take to the water as a lifestyle choice, others see boats as a cheaper alternative to buying or renting a property. A second-hand 50ft narrow boat – usually suited to a couple – will cost from £30,000 upwards to buy, depending on age and condition. Alan Wildman, chairman of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association (), says: ‘There is no doubt there are more people living in their boat than there used to be.’ The Association estimates there are 15,000 people living afloat. British Waterways, which controls most of the inland waterways in the country, estimates that about 6,500 of its 32,000 licensed boats are used as homes. But it is hard to be precise. Only some moorings have planning permission for full-time residence, so some of those living aboard are forced to use temporary moorings and keep a low profile. Wildman says: ‘There are not enough residential moorings to go around. Some residents have to keep on the move.’ The Government last year urged local authorities to invest in new residential moorings as part of plans to alleviate the growing pressure on housing. If you are lucky enough to find a residential mooring, costs will vary. Annual rents in the North may start at about £2,000, rising to £10,000 to £12,000 a year in London. On top of this, residents will usually be charged Band A council tax."
Size: 3744px × 2496px
Location: Rufford, Burscough, Lancashire, UK
Photo credit: © MediaWorldImages / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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