A BARGE which has been converted into holiday apartments may soon be moored at a Dengie marina.

The Bruce Stone is a 133ft barge which has been converted to hold four holiday apartments consists of 18 cabins and 11 bathrooms.

The former Barking business is looking for a new home after its current mooring was earmarked as a possible expansion zone for London City Airport.

The hull has recently been re-plated but the interior and exterior are in need of a refurbishment.

John Wilsdon, owner of the Bridgemarsh Marina on the River Crouch in Althorne, has invited the Bruce Stone’s owner, Ben Krill, to moor it at the marina to allow for renovations and for future clients to travel to use it from London on the train.

Mr Wilsdon said: “The Bruce Stone has been very successful in its trade for a number of years and due to it needing a new home I thought the marina would be the ideal place to moor it to allow it to be refurbished.

“Once completed, it could prove to play a big part in helping bring more tourism to the area.

“It could also make for something interesting to look at for people walking the trails in the area, as there is a huge stretch of bland salt marshes to be seen from the Fambridge to Burnham trail.”

An application for a permit to moor the Bruce Stone in the River Crouch is being considered by marine management and will also need to be approved by the Crouch Harbour Authority.

Mr Wilsdon believes the permit could be refused due to the authority potentially deeming it a threat to wildlife in the area but firmly believes it would benefit the area.

He added: “Mr Krill has drawn up an excellent and very thorough application, only time will tell if it moves forward.”

The decision is expected in ten weeks’ time.