A showdown is looming over a day-out company’s plan to hold pleasure boat trips along the River Thames in Reading.
The experience company Vintage Days Out is hoping to bring its pleasure boat the Charles Cooper Henderson Vessel to Caversham to conduct river cruises along the Thames.
The boat has a remarkable history, as it was built in 1933 and used during the Dunkirk evacuation of British expeditionary forces in 1940.
Vintage Days Out wants to serve up to 12 guests on the boat alcohol and play recorded music from it all week from 9am to 11pm.
It has also applied to have live music performances on the boat from 6pm to 9pm on Fridays and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
READ MORE: Plans for boat with unique history to come to Reading
But neighbours have concerns about noise coming from the boat, which would be situated on an island off Mill Green in Caversham.
Objections to the licensing application for the Charles Cooper Henderson Vessel have been submitted to Reading Borough Council.
An objector said: “This provision of daily music and alcohol until late at night is not appropriate for a quiet residential area.
“It would disturb local residents and also those walkers who currently enjoy the peace of the riverside.
“It would also disturb wildlife in the area which is currently frequented by badgers, foxes and bats.”
A couple who objected to the application expressed concerns that alcohol would not just be sold on the boat itself, but also when it is moored up on any part of the Thames.
Another neighbour said: “Whilst I am pleased to see that a historic Dunkirk ‘Little Ship’ will be coming to our stretch of the Thames, I am somewhat concerned that this would permit the playing of outdoor music from 9am to 11pm seven days a week.
“Lower Caversham is a residential area, which already puts up with music from Oktoberfest, Winter Wonderland and of course Reading Festival.
“Yet now we have a proposal that could potentially mean local residents being forced to listen to other people’s music from just after breakfast until bed time – every day!
READ MORE: Why Caversham became a hub for Kings, Royalty and the greatest knight of the land
“Many families in the area have young children who have early bed times and will now be kept awake.
“The music will also disturb the tranquillity of King’s Meadow.”
Several neighbours also questioned where people enjoying days out on the boat would park their cars.
The plans for music and alcohol on the boat are set to be decided at a council licensing applications committee on Tuesday, October 24.
Richard Prunier, the proprietor of Vintage Days Out, refused a request for comment when approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Vintage Days Out also has a 1933 Rolls Royce limousine which is used in the other experiences it provides.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel