Inconsiderate speedboat users are thrashing their vessels along the River Severn in Shrewsbury disrupting its peaceful charm and eroding its banks, it was claimed today.

Miles Kenny, Shropshire Council ward member for Underdale, has now issued a plea to anyone who sees people speeding in their boats to report it. It comes amid concerns that some jet-ski users are also taking to the river as they clean their jets of sea water.

Councillor Kenny said: “It’s a matter of quite serious concern. It’s not just dangerous to other river users it actually erodes the riverbank.

“Over time it can lead to it crumbling into the river and also travelling at high speed is anti-social as well.

“We did have some issues a while ago with jet skiers coming to the River Severn to clear out the saltwater from their boats.

“We do have speed boats and some of them are going far too fast and it can be dangerous for canoeists and rowers and other people trying to use the river. It’s difficult to enforce speed limits on the river but if anyone does see anything they sho-uld report it to the council.”

Selby Martin, from the Shropshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, also urged people to report incidents.

He said: “There is an 8mph speed limit on the River Severn and it’s up to the council to enforce it and then prosecute but it’s very difficult for them to do so.

“It’s up to the public to report incidents of speeding boats on the river.”

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said it could only prosecute individuals if damage had been caused to the riverbank and there was evidence to prove it. She said day-to-day enfor-cement of the laws of the waterway was the responsibility of Shropshire Council.

Chris Edwards, Shropshire Council’s assistant director for environmental maintenance, said: “It is im-portant for people with boats to adhere to the 8mph speed limit on the River Severn. This limit is in place for the benefit and safety of boaters and others using the river.

“It also ensures that disruption to wildlife, including any erosion of the river banks, is kept to a minimum. Those exceeding this limit risk receiving a fine.”

By Russell Roberts