Four youngsters aged 14 to 17 decided to enjoy a short afternoon paddle on their local river. They were confronted while kayaking on the Avon at Burgate
They were planning to launch above the weir at SU154160, having walked upstream along the bank from the suspension footbridge at Burgate Manor Farm. Before launching they were confronted by a landowner on the opposite bank who told them that it was private property and the river is not navigable. They waited until he had gone then launched above the weir. The landowner reappeared then and repeated his claim that they should not be there, and appeared to make a number of phone calls. He said that the police would be waiting for them at Sandy Balls.
When they paddled over the weir he was angry and used abusive language, continuing to tell them to get off the river.
As they paddled past his house, his wife appeared, also in an angry mood, and shouted at them.
When they reached the footbridge both man and wife were ther and confronted them again. They repeated that they owned the river. The wife said that she was concerned for their safety.
They left the river at the footbridge and walked away along the public footpath.
Fortunately, although shaken, these youngsters still enjoyed their short winter paddle on a beautiful stretch of the river. A very healthy activity that should be encouraged amongst our local youngsters. All were experienced and trained kayakers
