Removal work to begin on derelict paddle steamer

Work to remove a wrecked paddle steamer moored in Truro is due to begin this week, Cornwall Harbours has said.

The Compton Castle has been moored on Lemon Quay since the early 1980s and was previously used as a cafe and a floating museum.

Its removal is the latest phase of a project to renovate the area of the city and improve access to the waterside edge at Town Quay.

Alan Stanhope, Chair of Truro Town Deal Board, said the boat had become "an unwelcome eyesore in a prominent part of our city centre".

"Removing this derelict and decaying boat will trigger a clean up and redevelopment of this important part of Truro, which marks where the city meets the river," he said.

Mr Stanhope said removing the boat would have "an immediate positive impact" and would support plans to regenerate the city and create more green space.

Because of its "unstable condition" the boat will need to be broken up and pieces taken away by lorry, a spokesperson for Truro Harbours said.

The removal process would begin on Wednesday 25 June and should take four weeks to complete, the spokesperson said.

It was one of seven projects being funded through the Truro Town Deal programme, which aims to "connect the city with the river" and boost businesses, they said.

The Compton Castle was built in 1914 and used as a naval ammunition carrier in World War Two, before being moved to its current location in 1982.

The vessel's condition has deteriorated significantly over the last 15 years and it sank on its mooring in 2023.

A 2024 report for the Cornwall Harbours board said the boat was being used by rough sleepers.

"Despite some temporary repairs being made, the boat has remained empty, with efforts to find it a new role or home proving unsuccessful," the spokesperson said.

The board successfully proposed removing it last year.

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