A HISTORIC sailing barge has become the first to be driven out of Maldon after a controversial hike in mooring fees – sparking fears that more could follow.

The 125-year-old Kitty is relocating to North Fambridge following a 10 per cent increase by Maldon District Council.

Maldon-based Topsail Charters boss Paul Jeffries now fears more barges could be forced out.

“All the barge owners had a meeting to discuss where we go next,” he said.

“We are very pleased with all the messages of support and the way the petition to the council has now grown to over 1,300 signatures.

“However, the most important news is sailing barge Kitty’s decision to move to North Fambridge.

“With the recent 10 per cent rise in mooring fees, which follows a 50 per cent increase in 2017, and the potential for much larger future increases, the decision is totally understandable.

“The additional high cost of harbour dues, which barges pay on top of mooring fees, combined with concerns about the deteriorating condition of the berths at Maldon, could force more barges away.”

Kitty is one of the iconic barges that attracts thousands of visitors to the Hythe Quay.

Mr Jeffries said: “The move demonstrates the folly of the council’s mooring fee increases which can now be seen as totally counterproductive.

“The council has, as a result, just lost more income than it was seeking to gain.

“I believe councillors should seriously question their short-sighted policy towards the barges and recognise the barges’ asset value as a tourist draw to the town rather than treating them as a cash cow.

“The other barge operators are sad to see Kitty, a barge which has associations with Maldon that date back to the Sixties, leave the town.

“They sympathise with the decision and wish the barge every success on the River Crouch.”

He added: “At a time when the Heritage Harbour group is working hard to promote Maldon’s outstanding ‘living’ maritime history, the council has an opportunity to support so much of what helps make Maldon special rather than drive it away.”

Council leader Adrian Fluker defended the hike in charges.

He said: “The council sets the fees and charges on an annual basis and has only just set the fees and charges for 2020/21, so discussions about any future increases are very premature.

“The agreement with the barge operators is that there will be a 10 per cent rise in mooring fees for the new financial year, with a guarantee that we will meet with barge operators before any future rises are considered.

“The council has made it clear to them that it continues to be committed to preserving the unique heritage of the area and values the barges as an attraction in encouraging tourism to the district.”