FERRY operators say council inaction over a decaying jetty in Burnham means it is only a matter of time “before disaster strikes”.

Brothers William and Jon Scott have been running Burnham Ferry, which runs services between Burnham Quay and Essex Marina on Wallasea Island, for the past five years from their base near the Anchor Pub.

But in recent months, the floating jetty from which they operate has become run down, with huge gaps forming between boards and coverings coming loose.

The Scott brothers claim it could pose a serious risk to children’s safety unless Maldon District Council carries out repairs.

Jon said: “The jetty is styled as a hammerhead, and at the end where the boat is moored you have these sheets of metal which cover the gaps right next to the edge.

“Many times these come loose, and as you step down it twists and lurches you onto the boat, or in the water.

“Further down the main section, during summer time it gets packed with children who do crabbing and fishing, and the state that it gets to is really quite shocking. There’s huge gaps between boards, which are often loose, and little signage.

“When its full of people it’s only a matter of time before disaster strikes and someone’s in the river.”

The jetty is open for public use all year round, and is popular with children and families for crabbing during the summer.

William added: “This jetty needs regular and thorough inspections by the council.

“Credit where credit’s due, when we asked them about putting signs to say the end of the hammerhead was for ferry use only they did install them, but the safety notices down on the main jetty are not very visible and tucked away.

“The council have quite a poor attitude towards this, we’ve been exchanging emails with them, with one replying that if we’re so concerned we should stop the business.

“That does not address the safety of the children using it in the slightest.

"It’s not acceptable.”

A spokesman for the council said: “The council treats public safety issues very seriously and carries out routine checks of all equipment including the pontoon.

“Any damage or repairs that are identified are programmed dependent on their severity. Following the report from the ferry operators that some of the panels were loose, the facility was inspected again and the problem was resolved immediately.”