Workmen dismantling eyesore canal barge

WORK started this week to dismantle a dilapidated floating restaurant illegally moored in Rotherham town centre.

Le Barge has stood empty since a 2007 drugs scandal closed the 40-metre long former nightspot.

British Waterways has been trying to remove the boat for about 18 months because it had no consent to be moored on the canal, off Central Road.

It has been the subject of several vandalism and arson attacks and transport bosses wanted it removed before Rotherham’s new £8 million train station opens.

A spokesman for British Waterways said the boat was in breach of its byelaws and it was unfair to remain illegally while other boatowners paid their way.

Three years ago then owners Andrew Wilkes and Susan Creaser, of Thrybergh, were jailed for drugs and money laundering offences.

Members of her family had indicated to the Advertiser an intention to refurbish and relaunch as a restaurant.

Le Barge originally opened as Beaujangles ten years ago.

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