Steam boats banned from Wirral boating lakes
STEAM and petrol-powered boats have been banned from popular lakes in Merseyside – causing a stir among some model boat enthusiasts.
Wirral Council was last night accused of being a “killjoy” for putting up signs saying they were not welcome at lakes in New Brighton and Hoylake.
But officials said they were asked by boating clubs to bring in the ban for safety reasons.
Steam engine aficionado Chris Swale, of Upton, hit out at the decision, blaming “killjoys at Wirral Council out to spoil your enjoyment”.
He said: “The first victims of this 21st-century Beeching axe are model steam-boaters.
“A sign has gone up at New Brighton model boating lake, stating live steam engines are no longer permitted on Wirral’s boating lakes.
“I assume this was for the dreaded health and safety reasons, although I can find no record of any incident anywhere involving a model steam engine.”
