RESIDENTS have slammed a council for ordering them to remove their boats from Harwich beach.

Tendring Council previously gave owners the chance to take their craft away at the start of the month, but the deadline has now passed.

The council is now looking to have the boats removed as part of a bid to improve the area and raise standard along the seafront for both residents and visitors.

Since notices were put on a number of boats, some have been taken away but eight small boats remain on the beach.

Tendring Council said it has the backing of Harwich Town Council, Harwich Sailing Club and residents who have complained about the situation.

But other residents spoke out on Facebook, branding the removal “ridiculous as they are part and parcel of the beach”.

One, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “I believe Tendring Council is overstepping the mark because local fisherman and boat owners have stored their dinghies on the beach to access their bigger boats on the moorings out at sea since time began.

“We don’t believe this is 100 per cent a tourist bathing beach as it holds the only vehicle launching ramp for boats in the entire area.”

She said owners have been advised to store their boats at the sailing club, but claimed they have been unsuccessful in storing them there.

“As a town surrounded by water on three sides, people need to realise that the beach is not just for bathers and small children but to service the needs of the whole community,” she added.

“Why do they need to move the boats off the beach? Have they found somewhere more suitable?”

Tendring Council tourism boss Mick Skeels said the notices gave owners ten days to move their boats – and that was some time ago.

“Most of these boats have been dumped and are not even seaworthy. They are an eyesore and attract vandalism and other anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“We have been very generous in the time we have allowed – having said owners had ten days, but we are now making plans to remove them.”