A legal challenge to the Government forced the district council to scrap its mooring byelaws.

The byelaws govern the use of the council-owned moorings at Ely’s Riverside area.

East Cambridgeshire District Council had been working to extend the existing mooring byelaw, which had a ‘no return for 48 hour’, clause to provide a consistent enforcement approach for visitors.

However, during the final stages of this work, a challenge was made to the Government regarding the legality of the council’s existing and proposed mooring byelaw.

After seeking legal advice, the council said it “had no option” but to revoke the existing and proposed mooring byelaws in October.

Over the last month, a range of alternatives to manage the moorings have been considered by the authority in a bid to replace the old, revoked laws.

The council is now proposing is to issue a ‘mooring charge notice’ to boaters for overstaying a specified length of stay.

Boaters, residents and businesses are being asked for their thoughts on the plans.

The decision will be made by councillors in March next year, with the selected option being introduced by next summer.

To have your say, complete the questionnaire at www.eastcambs.gov.uk