Boat owners in Brentford have been ordered to leave their 'illegal' moorings on the Thames to make way for a proposed new marina.

Hounslow Council said it had issued legal letters on Monday (October 19) to owners of boats beside Watermans Park in Brentford High Street "to encourage a formal dialogue".

The council submitted plans last month for a new 26-berth marina and improvements to the park , which it has estimated will cost £5.45m. A decision on the proposals has yet to be made.

A computer generated image of the proposed marina and changes to neighbouring Watermans Park

Around two dozen vessels are currently moored at the site beside Watermans arts centre. The owners do not pay license fees or council tax, though some have said they would be willing to do so.

The council says the boats are moored illegally, but the owners - some of whom say claim to have been there for up to 20 years - insist they have a right to be there.

Council leader Steve Curran said: "Let's be clear from the outset, these boats are moored unlawfully. Some of the people living on the boats are littering, getting rid of their waste directly into the river and are trespassing to get access to their boats, which is unfair on owners who pay their mooring fees and the general public.

"We're offering our full support to everyone living on the boats and will advise on issues such as housing to those who may need it.

"Too many times in the past, Hounslow Council administrations have failed to tackle this problem and take forward plans to create a clean, safe, accessible marina. Now we have an exciting opportunity to regenerate the area and it’s high time the issue of unlawful moorings is resolved.

"There is support for this action from other river users. We're doing the right thing."

The council has claimed the new marina will smarten up the area and contribute to its regeneration, as well as stopping boat dwellers illegally disposing of sewage directly into the river.

But boat owners have claimed what they say are overly strict regulations for occupants of the planned marina risk turning the riverside into a "sterile" environment.

They also say they already dispose of their waste responsibly rather than releasing it straight into the Thames.

The council has said it wants to work with owners and occupiers regarding the removal of boats, and is asking how long they will need to vacate the site. It has also pledged to help those living there to find alternative accommodation.

The council has previously said it is likely to accept applications from existing boat owners for a place on the new marina, provided they can afford the annual mooring fees, which have yet to be set but which the council claims will be in line with those elsewhere in the area.