Angry boater hits back over drinking claims at Doncaster beauty spot during lockdown

A canal boat owner has hit back at claims boaters were spotted drinking and having ‘a jolly old time’ at a Doncaster beauty spot during the coronavirus lockdown.
The boaters were spotted at Sprotbrough.The boaters were spotted at Sprotbrough.
The boaters were spotted at Sprotbrough.

Earlier this week, Doncaster's Strawberry Island Boat Club took disciplinary action against two of its members after reports emerged of boaters drinking on the banks of the River Don near Sprotbrough Lock.

South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they made a number of visits to the area over the course of the weekend after being told people were flouting rules on staying at home and social distancing.

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One member of the public who witnessed the pair said: “They were having a jolly old time sat on the grass banking with their beers. While everyone is trying to do the right thing these guys don’t seem to want to.”

Now canal boat owner Kate Faulkes who has been moored at the spot self-isolating for a number of weeks, has dismissed the incident.

She said: “I am not one of the boaters from Strawberry Island but the owner of one of the other boats currently moored up at Sprotbrough.

“Earlier in the week, three other boats came to moor nearby. At no point did any 'party' or 'boozing' go on.

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“At one point, an elderly gentleman and his friend were sitting on the bank in chairs, but this is about all that happened.

People will probably have seen the two boaters from SIBC drinking tea on the bank at some point during the evening. Myself and my partner may also have enjoyed a cuppa on the bank that evening – although not with our 'neighbours'.”

“Far from partying, we have been self isolating for a very long period with only the occasional beer in front of the TV.”

Mrs Faulkes confirmed that police called at the boats to check that people were safely distancing, adding: “The area has often been over-busy with joggers and cyclists.

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She said: “They were calling to ask whether we had seen a group of teenagers who were failing to self-isolate. The police said that they were not in any way investigating any kind of complaint of a 'party'

South Yorkshire Police has confirmed that officers visited the area on a number of occasions after receiving reports of drinking and had spoken to a number of people in connection with the incident.

Strawberry Island Boat Club – which is currently shut during the coronavirus pandemic – took swift disciplinary action after it emerged two boaters had gained access to their vessels and then sailed down the River Don to Sprotbrough.

Paul Mellors, commodore of the club, which is based in Wheatley, said: “Strawberry Island Boat Club is 100% committed to comply with Government directives in relation to coronavirus.

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“We have been closed to our members since March 23 with only our steward remaining on site.

“The allotment holders at Strawberry Island – who have special dispensation – gain access across our premises so we cannot physically prevent our members accessing the site.

“Quite right, the Canal and River Trust have instructed that leisure boating should not be taking place during this time and our members are fully aware of this.”

“On Saturday morning I was made aware of four boats moored at Sprotbrough, two of which were from SIBC. By 1pm, we had held a special management meeting via Zoom and disciplinary action has been taken.

“SIBC is in its 50th anniversary year and is very proud of its heritage. Myself and the management committee are fully committed to maintain our exemplary reputation.”