Furious residents in Southampton are demanding urgent action from the local council after an abandoned boat named 'Just Chillin' has been left to rot on their residential street for more than three months, becoming a persistent eyesore and a magnet for antisocial behaviour.
A Persistent Blight on the Neighbourhood
The derelict vessel, which is constructed from GRP plastic, was dumped over a mile from the nearest waterway in a quiet residential area of Southampton, Hampshire, back in October. It has remained there ever since, devoid of an engine and with its roof smashed in, presenting a sorry sight for locals.
Despite numerous reports from concerned residents to Southampton City Council, the boat has stubbornly remained in place. The council did attach a yellow warning notice to the boat's stern shortly after its appearance, threatening destruction if it was not moved, but this has so far failed to result in its removal.
Residents Voice Their Anger and Embarrassment
Local resident Ken Pearce, 74, who lives approximately 30 yards from the wreck, described the situation as a 'pain' and an 'absolute eyesore'. He reported the boat to the council soon after it appeared and has since contacted local councillors, but found the response lacking.
'It has been there for months, and the council have had a notice on it for months,' Mr Pearce stated. 'Once the yellow notice was put on, we thought that's it, but now it is just like they can't be bothered. It is an eyesore when people who don't live here come to visit. It is a bit embarrassing for the area in general.'
He expressed particular concern about the boat becoming a hotspot for local youngsters, who have been seen climbing into it and causing further damage. 'They ripped the roof off and smashed the windows,' he reported, adding a serious worry about fire risk from the GRP material emitting toxic smoke if set alight.
His wife, Hilary Pearce, echoed the sentiment of embarrassment when visitors arrive, while neighbour Lina Goodall remarked that the boat had been there so long it felt like 'part of the furniture', calling the situation 'ridiculous' and 'pretty ugly'.
Council Response and Ongoing Frustration
Other residents shared their dismay. Neil Adamson simply hopes the council will follow through on its warning and destroy the boat. An unnamed 78-year-old woman lamented, 'When I go in my garden, I look out, all I can see is that monstrosity there.' She joked initially about winning a cruise, but now finds the situation 'disgusting'.
Ken Pearce summarised the core frustration, stating, 'It is my understanding that that is why we pay our council tax' – for the removal of such public nuisances.
In response to mounting pressure, a spokesperson for Southampton City Council confirmed: 'The district housing team were informed about this just before Christmas. They have served the vehicle with a removal sticker, giving the owner the chance to take it away themselves. As it has not been removed at this point, the council will initiate removal proceedings of the boat.'
Residents now await concrete action, hoping the promised removal proceedings will finally clear the streets of this long-standing and unwelcome fixture.
